Apparatus for determining an authenticated location of an asset with a global resource locator

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for determining an Authenticated Location of a GRL Device. The GRL Device may include a Miniature Atomic Clock along with other components that can receive process and communicate information to enable locating, identifying, and tracking physical Assets and data contained within the Assets. More specifically, the present disclosure presents methods and apparatus of deploying a Global Resource Locating (GRL) device adhered to or inserted into packaging for an Asset.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED MATTERS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No.62/589,384 filed on Nov. 21, 2017 entitled Global Resource LocatorPackaging which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/803,163 filed on Nov. 11, 2017 entitled Global Resource Locator whichis a Continuation Application of Ser. No. 14/988,103 filed on Jan. 5,2016, entitled Global Resource Locator, which claims the benefit of theUnited States Provisional Patent Application bearing the Ser. No.62/100,033, filed Jan. 5, 2015 and entitled “Resocator.” Thisapplication also claims the benefit of the United States ProvisionalPatent Application bearing the Ser. No. 62/117,946, filed Feb. 18, 2015and entitled “Resocator.” This application also claims the benefit ofthe United States Provisional Patent Application bearing the Ser. No.62/189,427, filed Jul. 7, 2015 and entitled “Resocator.” The contents ofthese heretofore mentioned applications are relied upon and herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a miniature location device, with ahighly accurate timing mechanism, such as an atomic clock a securitydevice that saves energy, time and effort by accurately locating,identifying, and tracking physical Assets and data contained within theAssets. More specifically, the present disclosure presents a physicaldevice (sometimes referred to herein as a GRL Device) that may beadhered onto or inserted into an Asset and used to provide highlyaccurate tracking of a location of the Asset in relation to a referenceor another Asset. The GRL Device may include a computer, a radioreceiver and a trilateration mechanism and may be included in a product,organism, produce, or component of a product.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

A simple review of news events indicates that in order to counterterrorism it is extremely helpful to be able to ascertain who is withinan area defined by a boundary, such as boundary defined as a nationalborder, or within a secured area in an authenticated manner. However, todate there is no economic and efficient method of ascertaining suchinformation. Once admitted within a border, a person is relatively freeto traverse an area within a Spatial Domain defined by that border. Inaddition, it is difficult to ascertain who a person admitted within aSpatial Domain has visited with or come into close proximity to.

It is known to use passports to gain access within a national border. Inaddition, it is known to utilize a security badge, which may include anidentity photo to gain access to a secure area. However, it is verydifficult to ascertain where within defined boundaries, a personassociated with the passport or the security badge travels and when. Itis also very difficult to ascertain who the person may have come intocontact with while they are within the defined boundary.

In another aspect, location-based technology has surged in the pastdecade, and countless applications have integrated location-basedfeatures into their functionality. For example, Smartphones generallyinclude a geo-location feature when not able to obtain GPS signals, andsome of these software applications for the Smartphone depend on thiscapability as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,948.” However, aSmartphone is not a secure or reliable way to track an Asset other thanthe Smartphone itself.

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is an example of wireless transferof data for the purposes of automatically identifying and tracking tagsattached to objects. RFID devices were seen by many as a way to replacebarcodes because RFID tags allow a reader wirelessly query a tag andhave the tag transmit back information stored on a semiconductor chipincluded in the tag. RFID tags are useful for readers in close proximityand to convey pre-stored information, but are generally limited tocommunications within a building or home.

ISO/IEC 20248 specifies a method whereby data stored within a barcodeand/or RFID tag is structured and digitally signed. The purpose of thestandard is to provide an open and interoperable method, betweenservices and data carriers, to verify data originality and dataintegrity in an offline use case. The ISO/IEC 20248 data structure isalso called a “DigSig” which refers to a small, in bit count, digitalsignature. ISO/IEC 20248 also provides an effective and interoperablemethod to exchange data messages in the Internet of Things [IoT] andmachine to machine [M2M] services allowing intelligent agents in suchservices to authenticate data messages and detect data tampering.”However, there are some drawbacks in the RFID technology framework andimplementations that have limited its ability to provide more value, oneof the key limitations is the inability for a RFID to Self-Locate.

Bluetooth has achieved adoption as data transmission protocol forallowing low power devices of many types to communicate and compared totraditional Bluetooth, Bluetooth Smart is designed to providedramatically reduced power consumption and cost while providingcomparable communication capabilities.

Bluetooth is viewed generally as a wireless technology standard forexchanging data over short distances (using short-wavelength UHF radiowaves in the ISM band from 2.4 to 2.485 GHz) from fixed and mobiledevices, and building personal area networks (PANs). Bluetooth may bemanaged by a Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), which has more than25,000 member companies in the areas of telecommunication, computing,networking, and consumer electronics.” With this level of adoptionbillions of devices may support the new Bluetooth Low Energy that canenables a myriad of device types and useful applications. As Bluetoothusage becomes larger it may be desirable for people to be able to keeptrack of Bluetooth enabled devices. It may also be useful to havefunctionality for other Bluetooth devices to assist in finding missingitems.

Internet of Things is currently going through a dramatic growth inmarket adoption due to the convergence of a variety of technologies thatenable low cost low power transmission of data between “Things”. TheInternet of Things (IoT) is generally viewed as a network of physicalobjects or “things” embedded with electronics, software, sensors, andnetwork connectivity, which enables these objects to collect andexchange data. It allows objects to be sensed and controlled remotelyacross existing network infrastructure, creating opportunities for moredirect integration between the physical world and computer-basedsystems, and resulting in improved efficiency, accuracy and economicbenefit; when IoT is augmented with sensors and actuators, thetechnology becomes an instance of the more general class ofcyber-physical systems, which also encompasses technologies such assmart grids, smart homes, intelligent transportation and smart cities.Each thing is uniquely identifiable through its embedded computingsystem but is able to interoperate within the existing Internetinfrastructure.” However, there is no miniature apparatus or reliablemethod by which the IoT “things” may Self-Locate indoors and outside.

Location Based Services+ is the ability to open and close specific dataobjects based on the use of location and/or time as (controls andtriggers) or as part of complex cryptographic key or hashing systems andthe data they provide access to. Location based services today are apart of everything from control systems to smart weapons. They areactively used trillions of times a day and may be one of the mostheavily used application-layer decision framework in computing today.”However, the location data that is provided does not typically includeany level of authentication to the coordinates. In the era of IoTdevices, there are risks of asking or telling an IoT device to take someaction and or report information if does not know or can report itsactual location.

There are numerous strategies and technologies available for locatingobjects indoors. Due to the signal attenuation caused by constructionmaterials, the satellite based Global Positioning System (GPS) losessignificant power indoors affecting the required coverage for receiversby at least four satellites. In addition, the multiple reflections atsurfaces cause multi-path propagation serving for uncontrollable errors.These very same effects are degrading all known solutions for indoorlocating which uses electromagnetic waves from indoor transmitters toindoor receivers. Physical and mathematical methods have been applied tocompensate for these problems.

An indoor positioning system (IPS) is a system to locate objects orpeople inside a building using radio waves, magnetic fields, acousticsignals, or other sensory information collected by mobile devices. Thereare several commercial systems on the market, but there is no standardfor an IPS system. System designs must take into account that at leastthree independent measurements are needed to unambiguously find alocation (see trilateration).

Indoor Positioning Systems use different technologies, includingdistance measurement to nearby anchor nodes (nodes with known positions,e.g., Wi-Fi access points), magnetic positioning, dead reckoning. Theyeither actively locate mobile devices and tags or provide ambientlocation or environmental context for devices to get sensed. Thelocalized nature of an IPS has resulted in design fragmentation, withsystems making use of various optical, radio, or even acoustictechnologies.” The challenges of determining precise location requiresthat the system use highly accurate clocks to calculate TDOA Time Delayof Arrive, just as GPS satellites do provide that information for groundunits to process and determine location.

As referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 5,982,324 by Watters et al, Anotherproblem encountered is that the typical clock in a cellular mobileterminal does not measure time precisely, and may have a tendency todrift, generally known as clock drift. Therefore, time measurements maybe made by the terminal are not extremely accurate, which results in anerroneous time and therefore location determination. The error due tothe drift grows larger the longer the mobile terminal clock is used.

As referenced in US2014/0375505A1 TV signals may generate a receiverlocation was taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,555,707 entitled “Televisionpulsed navigation system”. Improvements to the art include the use ofDTV signals for location, customization of the DTV signal, and thehybridization of DTV broadcast location with other network-based ormobile-based location technologies.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,440,762 provides examples of such infrastructure-based(or network-based) systems for the determination of locations forWireless mobile units are found in Stilp, et al. The use of collateralinformation to enhance and even enable location determination in furtherapplications of such infrastructure based systems is described inMaloney, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,959,580; and further described inMaloney, et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,108,555 and 6,119,013.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,201,499 describes the estimation of forming hyperbolasfrom the TDOA calculations between the three or more receiving sensors.Transmitter location is estimated from the intersection of two or moreindependently generated hyper bolas determined from three or morereceiving sensors. Methods for determining RF transmitter location basedon time difference of arrival are discussed in greater detail in“Statistical Theory of Passive Location Systems” by Don J. Torrieri(IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, Vol. AE, 5-20,No. 2, March 1984, pp. 183-198) which is expressly incorporated hereinby reference.

Along with the advent of a large number of simple hackable computers(aka IoT Devices) has created well deserved concerns that have slowed orimpeded technology adoption in environments where they can provideuseful services.

A strong set of security capabilities exist today and our disclosurewill outline how we will implement required security framework with opensource and custom development in our apparatus with new methods toresolve concerns and provide a trustworthy environment for the growth ofmachines that can help improve our lives. There is a need for improvedSecurity in the M2M and IoT era and we share some history to somesolutions that have been deployed.

Security Counterfeiting: There is a significant global counterfeitingproblem that interferes with normal commerce and the free exchange ofgoods. Counterfeiting is generally accepted to mean to imitatesomething. Counterfeit products are fake replicas of the real product.Counterfeit products are often produced with the intent to takeadvantage of the superior value of the imitated product. The wordcounterfeit frequently describes both the forgeries of currency anddocuments, as well as the imitations of clothing, handbags, shoes,pharmaceuticals, aviation and automobile parts, watches, electronics(both parts and finished products), software, works of art, toys,movies.”

Security Authentication is generally accepted to mean a goal to provideauthentication. It is the act of confirming the truth of an attribute ofa single piece of data (a datum) claimed true by an entity. In contrastwith identification which refers to the act of stating or otherwiseindicating a claim purportedly attesting to a person or thing'sidentity, authentication is the process of actually confirming thatidentity. A vendor selling branded items implies authenticity, while heor she may not have evidence that every step in the supply chain wasauthenticated. Another type of authentication relies on documentation orother external affirmations. In criminal courts, the rules of evidenceoften require establishing the chain of custody of evidence presented.This can be accomplished through a written evidence log, or by testimonyfrom the police detectives and forensics staff that handled it.”

Security Packaging is generally accepted to mean techniques forminimizing counterfeiting. Packages may include authentication seals anduse security printing to help indicate that the package and contents arenot counterfeit; these too are subject to counterfeiting. Packages alsocan include anti-theft devices, such as dye-packs, RFID tags, orelectronic article surveillance tags that can be activated or detectedby devices at exit points and require specialized tools to deactivate.”

Over the past three decades security technologies have evolved toprovide basic capabilities of verifying the integrity of messagesbetween trading parties. A public key infrastructure (PKI) is a set ofhardware, software, people, policies, and procedures needed to create,manage, distribute, use, store, and revoke digital certificates andmanage public-key encryption.

The purpose of a PKI is to facilitate the secure electronic transfer ofinformation for a range of network activities such as e-commerce,internet banking and confidential email. It is required for activitieswhere simple passwords are an inadequate authentication method and morerigorous proof is required to confirm the identity of the partiesinvolved in the communication and to validate the information beingtransferred. In order for Enveloped Public Key Encryption to be assecure as possible, there needs to be a “gatekeeper” of public andprivate keys, or else anyone could create key pairs and masquerade asthe intended sender of a communication, proposing them as the keys ofthe intended sender. This digital key “gatekeeper” is known as acertification authority.

A certification authority is a trusted third party that can issue publicand private keys, thus certifying public keys. It also works as adepository to store key chain and enforce the trust factor. PKI Keyescrow (also known as a “fair” cryptosystem) is an arrangement in whichthe keys needed to decrypt encrypted data are held in escrow so that,under certain circumstances, an authorized third party may gain accessto those keys. These third parties may include businesses, who may wantaccess to employees' private communications, or governments, who maywish to be able to view the contents of encrypted communications.”

Public Private Key methods have become the defacto standard forencryption of electronic Messages between systems. In 1977, ageneralization of Cocks' scheme was independently invented by RonRivest, Adi Shamir and Leonard Adleman, all then at MIT. The latterauthors published their work in 1978, and the algorithm came to be knownas RSA, from their initials. RSA uses exponentiation modulo a product oftwo very large primes, to encrypt and decrypt, performing both publickey encryption and public key digital signature. Its security isconnected to the extreme difficulty of factoring large integers, aproblem for which there is no known efficient general technique.Public-key cryptography refers to a set of cryptographic algorithms thatare based on mathematical problems that currently admit no efficientsolution—particularly those inherent in certain integer factorization,discrete logarithm, and elliptic curve relationships.

It is computationally easy for a user to generate a public and privatekey-pair and to use it for encryption and decryption. The strength liesin the “impossibility” (computational impracticality) for a properlygenerated private key to be determined from its corresponding publickey. Thus the public key may be published without compromising security.Security depends only on keeping the private key private.”

A Secure Hash Algorithm 2) SHA-2) is a set of cryptographic hashfunctions designed by the NSA. [3] SHA stands for Secure Hash Algorithm.Cryptographic hash functions are mathematical operations run on digitaldata; by comparing the computed “hash” (the output from execution of thealgorithm) to a known and expected hash value, a person can determinethe data's integrity.

The integrity of communication from a person or a machine is criticalfor one to trust and rely on the message. An important application ofsecure hashes is verification of message integrity. Determining whetherany changes have been made to a message (or a file), for example, can beaccomplished by comparing message digests calculated before, and after,transmission (or any other event). For this reason, most digitalsignature algorithms only confirm the authenticity of a hashed digest ofthe message to be “signed”. Verifying the authenticity of a hasheddigest of the message is considered proof that the message itself isauthentic. MD5, SHA1, or SHA2 hashes are sometimes posted along withfiles on websites or forums to allow verification of integrity. Thispractice establishes a chain of trust so long as the hashes are postedon a site authenticated by HTTPS.

In this era of M2M, and IoT where machines and things are communicatingwhat can be critical information, the authenticity is critical as well.Digital signatures, in which a message is signed with the sender'sprivate key and can be verified by anyone who has access to the sender'spublic key. This verification proves that the sender had access to theprivate key, and therefore is likely to be the person associated withthe public key. This also ensures that the message has not been tamperedwith, as any manipulation of the message will result in changes to theencoded message digest, which otherwise remains unchanged between thesender and receiver.

Physical products that have been serialized for many reasons, mostimportantly it is so individual items can be tracked. In the world ofcomputerized objects, they have also been serialized, typically withvery large “product keys” for verification and activation of a purchasedelectronic product. Many times these “keys” can come in the form of a“public key” or as described herein it could also be a UUID.

The intent of UUIDs is to enable distributed systems to uniquelyidentify information without significant central coordination. In thiscontext the word unique should be taken to mean “practically unique”rather than “guaranteed unique”. Since the identifiers have a finitesize, it is possible for two differing items to share the sameidentifier. This is a form of hash collision. The identifier size andgeneration process need to be selected so as to make this sufficientlyimprobable in practice.

A UUID may be created and used to identify something with reasonableconfidence that a same identifier will not be unintentionally created byanyone to identify something else. Information labeled with UUIDs cantherefore be later combined into a single database without needing toresolve identifier (ID) conflicts. A globally unique identifier GUID isa unique reference number used as an identifier in computer software.The term “GUID” typically refers to various implementations of theuniversally unique identifier (UUID) standard.”

In contrast, symmetric-key algorithms include variations of which havebeen used for thousands of years and use a single secret key. The singlekey must be shared and kept private by both the sender and the receiver,for example in both encryption and decryption.

To use a symmetric encryption scheme, the sender and receiver mustsecurely share a key in advance. Because symmetric key algorithms arenearly always much less computationally intensive than asymmetric ones,it is common to exchange a key using a key-exchange algorithm, thentransmit data using that key and a symmetric key algorithm. PGP and theSSL/TLS family of schemes use this procedure, and are thus called hybridcryptosystems.”

Security One time Pads is a well-known technique to implement one timepads to further protect the authenticity of identity. However, there isno public-key scheme with this property, since all public-key schemesare susceptible to a “brute-force key search attack”. Another potentialsecurity vulnerability in using asymmetric keys is the possibility of a“man-in-the-middle” attack, in which the communication of public keys isintercepted by a third party (the “man in the middle”) and then modifiedto provide different public keys instead.

A common fraudster technique used in Internet is spoofing. A spoofingattack is a situation in which one person or program successfullymasquerades as another by falsifying data. The false program therebygains an illegitimate advantage. Spoofing can work with GPS and justabout any other technology that provides location information. A GPSspoofing attack attempts to deceive a GPS receiver by broadcastingcounterfeit GPS signals, structured to resemble a set of normal GPSsignals, or by rebroadcasting genuine signals captured elsewhere or at adifferent time.

With the massive growth of M2M and IoT devices, the Message that needsto be authenticated may be coming from a machine not a person or anycombination thereof. Message authentication involves hashing the messageto produce a “digest” and encrypting the digest with the private key toproduce a digital signature. Thereafter anyone can verify this signatureby (1) computing the hash of the message, (2) decrypting the signaturewith the signer's public key, and (3) comparing the computed digest withthe decrypted digest. Equality between the digests confirms the messageis unmodified since it was signed, and that the signer, and no one else,intentionally performed the signature operation. This presumes that thesigner's private key has remained secret. The security of such proceduredepends on a hash algorithm of such quality that it is computationallyimpossible to alter or find a substitute message that produces the samedigest but studies have shown that even with the MD5 and SHA-1algorithms, producing an altered or substitute message is notimpossible. A current hashing standard for encryption is SHA-2. Themessage itself can also be used in place of the digest.

With a large number of IoT devices being deployed a large number ofnetwork topologies are in use in mesh networks. A mobile ad hoc network(MANET) is a continuously self-configuring, infrastructure-less networkof mobile devices connected without wires. Each device in a MANET isfree to move independently in any direction, and will therefore changeits links to other devices frequently. Each must forward trafficunrelated to its own use, and therefore be a router. The primarychallenge in building a MANET is equipping each device to continuouslymaintain the information required to properly route traffic. Suchnetworks may operate by themselves or may be connected to the largerInternet. They may contain one or multiple and different transceiversbetween nodes. This results in a highly dynamic, autonomous topology.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provide for methods and apparatus that may beapplied to multiple purposes where the authenticity of aspectsdescribing: who, what, where, when and how may be authenticated therebyproviding efficiencies in many aspects of human commerce and activities.In general, GRL Device makes use of the functionality of a miniatureatomic clock (“MAC”) to calculate precise Self-Locating coordinatesdescribing one or more geospatial locations. The geospatial locationsmay be combined with unique identifiers to generate a trail of dataindicating where a GRL Device is and where it has been, as well asenvironmental conditions GRL Device encountered. In addition, a GRLSystem may track a proximity to other GRL Devices associated with otheruniquely identified objects and/or persons. A geospatial location may bedetermined via one or both of trilateration and triangulation methodsthat incorporating reference transmitter locations with Time Delay ofArrival calculations. In some implementations, a GRL Device will includea set of security features that enable novel methods of providing anappropriate level Security Seal to those who wish to integrate GRLDevices into their operations.

Accordingly, a GRL Device will include some of the following, but not belimited to: UUIDs, Secret Keys (as part of a Key Pair), One Time Padswith variable data structures and formats for retrieval, Data HashingAlgorithms, Trilateration Algorithms for processing input from multipletypes of signals, sensor arrays for detecting the environment as well aselectromagnetic radiation (signals). GRL Device may produce anAuthenticated Location designation which in turn may be associated withan Authenticated serial number assigned to a particular Asset.

The present disclosure teaches apparatus and methods that utilizeprecise timings of a Miniature Atomic Clock to perform trilaterationcalculations using strong terrestrial signals from Reference Points thatcurrently penetrate most structures around the world.

In some implementations, a GRL Device can Self-Authenticate its locationas well as its location of manufacture. A GRL Device that is Affixed toan asset can provide automatic serialization and tracking of thatindividual Asset. Hashed messages generated from information provided bya GRL Device provide an ascertainable degree of trust. GRL Devices withone time pads can provide extremely secure message delivery.

In another aspect, the present disclosure additionally providesapparatus and methods for precise timing and location. In addition, thedisclosure provides apparatus and methods to enable AuthenticatedLocation Data on Serialized Assets (ALDOSA). According to some aspectsof the present invention, the precise timing and location may be used totrack movement of a person or asset within a defined boundary andproximity of a first person or asset to a second person or asset withinthe boundary. A GRL Device and supporting systems enable indoor andoutdoor location determination of the GRL Device. The GRL Device may beAffixed to an Asset such as a passport or a security badge and trackedaccording to physical location, time of day and proximity to other GRLDevices. In addition, in some implementations, the GRL Device providesdata from sensors incorporated into the GRL Device and may provide dataindicative of almost any ascertainable data measurable by the GRLDevice.

The implementation of Miniature Atomic Clocks will enable theopportunity to offer a variety of improve operations to IoT devices byadding the trilateration capabilities with accurate location fixing fora wide range of Assets including and especially for IoTs that wouldbenefit from knowing their precise location indoors and out without theneed for GPS receivers nor various incompatible custom beaconsinstallations that may or may not be trustworthy Reference Points.

In some embodiments our Miniature Atomic Clock may operate with the zerostandby power (such as with a class of fullerene based MACs as disclosedherein) and finally as we disclose in this document the addition ofsecurity keys affixed to the physical GRL Device itself there is afundamental set of protections available to the owner of the GRL Device.

In some implementations, a GRL Device may include a miniature atomicclock in logical communication with a processor that is also in logicalcommunication with a receiver for receiving timing signals from multiplereference locations. The GRL Device also includes a memory for storing aunique identifier and an affixing vehicle for affixing the GRL Device toan Asset. Affixing the GRL Device to the Asset thereby associates a UUIDwith the asset. The GRL Device may also include a wireless transmitterfor transmitting data a digital storage including location coordinatesof known transmitters. The location coordinates may be accessible to theprocessor. Executable software may be stored on the GRL Device andexecutable on demand. The software is operative with the processor tocause the GRL Device to: receive respective transmissions from themultiple reference locations; determine a physical location of the GRLDevice based on the respective transmissions received from the multiplereference locations and the location coordinates of known transmitters;and transmit an authenticated location including the UUID and thedetermined physical location. In some implementation, a private key mayalso be transmitted.

In additional aspects, a method is provided for determining a locationof an asset, wherein the method included the steps of: entering a valuefor a universally unique identifier (UUID) and a private key into thedigital memory of the GRL Device; affixing a GRL Device including aprocessor, a digital memory, a miniature atomic clock and data receptorto the asset; associating the UUID with the asset; generating a timingsignal via the miniature atomic clock; receiving a respective timingsignal from three or more reference locations; determining a physicallocation of the GRL Device via execution of programmable code by theprocessor, where the physical location is based upon the respectivetiming signal from three or more reference locations and the timingsignal from the atomic clock; and transmitting the determined physicallocation, the private key and the UUID via a smart gateway configured toprovide logical communication between the processor and a digitalcommunications network.

A public key that may be matched with a hash value to verify a physicallocation of an asset to which the GRL Device is affixed.

In still another aspect, GRL System is described for tracking a locationof multiple GRL Devices, the GRL System may include: a network server inlogical communication with a digital communications network; one or moresmart gateways in logical communication with the digital communicationsnetwork and in logical communication with at least one GRL Device viawireless communication; a first GRL Device affixed to an asset and inlogical communication with one or both of the smart gateway and thenetwork server, the first GRL Device including: a miniature atomicclock; a processor in logical communication with the miniature atomicclock; a receiver for receiving timing signals from multiple referencelocations; a memory for storing a unique identifier; an affixing vehiclefor affixing the first GRL Device to an asset and thereby fixedlyassociating the UUID with the asset; a wireless transmitter fortransmitting data signals; a digital storage including locationcoordinates of known transmitters, the location coordinates accessibleto the processor; and executable software stored on the first GRL Deviceand executable on demand, wherein the software may be operative with theprocessor to cause the first GRL Device to: receive respectivetransmissions from the multiple reference locations; determine aphysical location of the first GRL Device based on the respectivetransmissions received from the multiple reference locations and thelocation coordinates of known transmitters; and transmit the UUID andthe determined physical location to the smart gateway via wirelesscommunications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, that are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of thedisclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the disclosure:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a GRL Device with basecomponents and optional components.

FIG. 2 illustrates the method and apparatus of an exemplary GRL DeviceSystem with physical and data process flow paths of a GRL Device.

FIG. 3 illustrates method and apparatus of an exemplary series ofSpatial Domains for Assets utilizing a GRL Device.

FIG. 4 illustrates the method and apparatus of an exemplarytriangulation with a GRL Device receiving transmissions from proximatecommunications towers (Reference Points).

FIG. 5 illustrates the method and apparatus of the GRL System apparatusfor processing radio signals with a miniature atomic clock.

FIGS. 5A-C illustrates process steps that may be implemented with theGRL System apparatus for processing radio signals with a miniatureatomic clock.

FIG. 6 illustrated the method and apparatus of a Description of GatewayApp with GRLEA data delivery options.

FIG. 7 illustrates the method and apparatus How to Find an Asset withGRLs and GRL systems.

FIG. 8 illustrates method and apparatus of a GRL Query App to ActivateUI on GRLEA with MFO.

FIG. 9 illustrates a methods and apparatus for a GRL Device SmartGateway app to communicate with nearby GRL Devices and their EnabledAssets.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method and apparatus process for labeling andverifying GRL Devices with materials to enable visual inspection ofunique numbers, letters and patterns that correspond to the UUID in theGRL Device.

FIG. 11 illustrates the method and apparatus Spatial Domain based eventswith GRLEAs.

FIG. 12 illustrates the methods and apparatus of Self Locating GRLEAdetermining Spatial Domain Events.

FIG. 13 illustrates the method and apparatus of a scenario of aCollective apparatus comprised of GRL Devices that and its collaborativemethods working with other Devices and People that can communicate withit.

FIG. 14 illustrates method and apparatus for the Automated Creation ofGeofences from Aggregated Data from GRLEA published locations.

FIG. 15 illustrates the method and apparatus of joining Spatial Domainsto create a larger Spatial Domain Combination.

FIG. 16 illustrates methods and apparatus involved in Spatial Domainenabled authentication.

FIG. 17 illustrates methods and apparatus for Collective RelativeVertical Location by Comparing Air Pressure.

FIG. 18 illustrates methods and apparatus to enable GRL Devices withmore capabilities with Multi-Function Overlays and Attachments.

FIG. 19 illustrates methods and apparatus for Use of Atomic ClockSynchronized Atomic Clocks for Short Range Communication Enhancements.

FIG. 20 illustrates methods and apparatus to place GRL Devices withinand upon layers of flat materials.

FIG. 21 illustrates methods and apparatus to illustrate the deploymentof GRL Devices in a structure.

FIG. 22 illustrates methods and apparatus to add a MAC to a Smartphoneto create GRL Device.

FIG. 23 illustrates methods and apparatus to Affix and Register a GRLDevice to Personal Identification Asset.

FIG. 24 illustrates methods and apparatus to enable a Smart Gatewaydevice with a UI to visually inspect and authenticate the data within aGRLEA.

FIG. 25 illustrates methods and apparatus to track the manufacturing,delivery and distribution of pourable materials.

FIG. 26 illustrates methods and apparatus of Collective Apparatus asinstalled within an Enabled Asset.

FIG. 27 illustrates methods and apparatus to determine the Who, When,What and Where of a GRLEA on a map and in an Aggregated Database.

FIG. 28 illustrates methods and apparatus for activating a UI on a GRLEAfrom a Smart Gateway device.

FIG. 29 illustrates methods and apparatus for determining and recordingwhen a GRLEA and its Collective GRLEA have an Event.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides generally for energy and securityrelated benefits from a miniature and serialized location device with ahighly accurate timing mechanism, such as an atomic clock. According tothe present disclosure, a GRL Device may be attached to, inserted into,incorporated as part of or otherwise fixedly associated with an Assetand thereby enable precise location determination of the Asset. The GRLDevice may receive wireless data transmissions from external sources anduse information included in the data transmissions to calculate itslocation by referencing an internal Miniature Atomic Clock, hereinaftersometimes referred to as a “MAC” (further defined below).

In the following sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methodsof the disclosure will be given. The description of both preferred andalternative examples are exemplary only, and it is understood that tothose individuals and teams skilled in the arts that variations,modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to beunderstood that the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspectsof the underlying disclosure as defined by the claims.

The invention will enable among other things, the ability to provideAuthenticated Location Data On Serialized Asset(s) we further abbreviatethis capability as “ALDOSA”. Some aspects will may be enabled byimplementing a variety of proprietary and/or open source referenceimplementations of one or more of: Integrated Development Environmentsfor applications and databases, PKI systems, and RF test environments toname a few.

One skilled in the art will recognize a broad array implementationsutilizing GRL Device enabled Assets that provide utility and value tosociety at large. The following description includes a few examples thathighlight some aspects and value of the present invention.

In general the present invention that leverages the capabilities of asolid state miniature atomic clock. Some preferred embodimentsincorporate a miniature atomic clock design as invented by ProfessorGeorge Andrew Davidson Briggs and Arzhang Ardavan of Oxford Universityand generally described in European Patent 2171546 entitled “Nano Clock”and U.S. Pat. No. 8,217,724 entitled “Atomic Clock” both of which areincorporated herein by reference. The present disclosure provides forthe ability to combine multiple Miniature Atomic Clocks working togetherin a synchronized fashion would enable improved time keeping.

Another aspect of the present disclosure enables the provision ofidentification and location information for massive numbers of low bandwith IoT devices on cellular frequencies providing. The disclosed GRLDevice with its MAC enhanced timing will offers improved utilization ofbandwidth and lower collisions on their network traffic at variousnodes.

The present disclosure provides for the ability to combine multipleMiniature Atomic Clocks working together in a synchronized fashion wouldenable improved time keeping.

Another aspect of the present disclosure enables the provision ofidentification and location information for massive numbers of low bandwith IoT devices on cellular frequencies providing. The disclosed GRLDevice with its MAC enhanced timing will offers improved utilization ofbandwidth and lower collisions on their network traffic at variousnodes.

In still another aspect of the present invention, systems integrators inmultiple industries are provided with trustworthy indoor and outsidelocation information providing solutions using Assets that have GRLDevices Affixed. The ability of GRL Devices to form Collectives andsecurely unify Authenticated Locations from GRLEAs that can selectivelyand securely broadcast information from their Assets Sensor Data andother information opens a wide variety of useful capabilities.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of some implementations of aGRL Device 100 is illustrated. The GRL Device 100 includes multiplecomponents 101-116 providing various functionality to the GRL Device 100as a unit. In some embodiments, the components of a GRL Device can beassembled and built in high volume production lines with well-knownMicro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) wafer bonded to standard COTSCMOS based manufacturing technology to enable the various features of aGRL Device, which may be applied for a range of purposes, such asproduct tracking, vehicle tracking, personnel tracking, containertracking, Asset tracking and any combinations thereof.

As described herein, the GRL Device 100 is based upon a highly accuratetiming device, such as a miniature atomic clock 101 in logicalcommunication with a processor, such as a CPU 112 included in aminiature controller 110. The controller 110 includes a data bus 111 toprovide a vehicle for logical communication amongst components 111-116located internal to the controller 110 and, in some implementations, tocomponents located external 121-123 to the controller 110. In variousembodiments, the data bus 111 may be an 8 bit bus, a 16 bit bus, a 32bit bus a 64 bit bus or a 128 bit bus.

Base components of GRL Device may include, by way of non-limitingexample: a miniature atomic clock 101 or other highly accurate, micro ornano sized timing device; a Power Source 102, an Energy Receiver 103,one or more indicators and/or inputs devices; a Receiver 105 for logicalcommunication; a Transmitter 106 for logical communication; a Module107; a Data Storage 108, which may include a log 108A; Sensors 109; aController 110; a data bus 111; a CPU 112; a TIM 113; a dynamic MainMemory 114; a Read only Memory 115; and a communications interface 116.In some embodiments, one or more components may be incorporated into acommercially available controller unit. Components external to a GRLDevice 100 may include an Event Source 121; External Transmitters 122and an External Transceiver 123.

The highly accurate, micro sized timing device, such as miniature AtomicClock 101 provides highly accurate timing information in a small energyefficient package. High accuracy of the timing device allows for moreaccurate location calculations. A miniature Atomic Clock 101, forexample, may provide accuracy in the range of 10⁻⁷ to 10⁻⁹ of a secondper day, as compared to traditional timing devices, such as quartz basedtiming devices which in general are several magnitudes less accurate. Insome implementations, the miniature Atomic Clock 101 operates onelectrical energy made available via an on chip power source thatenergizes the metallic coils that create the electromagnetic waves.Examples of a suitable Atomic Clock 101 are discussed in U.S. Pat. No.8,217,724 to Briggs and include an endohedral fullerene system toprovide standard frequency oscillations.

In preferred embodiments, highly accurate timing information provided bya miniature atomic clock or other highly accurate micro sized timingdevice, includes timing data accurate to about 10⁻⁷ seconds per day (fora frequency error of approximately 1 part in 10¹²). Additionalembodiments may include even higher accurate timing information. Atomicclocks are generally several orders of magnitude better than LCCircuits, Quartz or MEMS clocks. In some implementations, a MiniatureAtomic Clock (MAC) may be susceptible to changes in external conditions,such as temperature and/or magnetic fields. Accordingly, stabilityand/or compensating arrangements may mitigate the influence of externalconditions. For example, the compensating arrangements may comprise avariable a physical displacement/adjustment, or publishing ofcalibration quality data.

In another aspect, in some implementations, a Timing Interface Module,TIM 113 is in logical communication with the Atomic Clock 101 andthereby enables transfer of digital information from the Atomic Clock101 to the TIM 113 including an indication of a time value to the TimingInterface Module.

A Power Source 102 includes a source of electrical energy suitable forpowering the GRL Device 100 in one or both of a sleep mode and anoperations mode. Power Source may therefore include one or more of: abattery, a capacitor, a fuel cell, or other mechanism capable ofsupplying a necessary level of voltage and amount of current to powerthe GRL Device during one or more states of operation.

In some implementations, an Energy Receiver 103 may supplement orsupplant a Power Source 102. An Energy Receiver 103 receives energy froma source external to the GRL Device 100 and include electromagneticenergy of a wavelength suitable for receipt by the Energy Receiver 103.The Energy Receiver may include, for example, one or more of: aninduction coil, a power antenna, an ambient energy harvesting device orother mechanism capable of supplying power directly to components101-116 of the GRL Device during one or more states of operation, orbeing stored in a Power Source 102 for subsequent use be the GRL Device100.

An ambient energy harvesting device may include a wireless energyreceptor, such as, for example, one or more of: an antenna, a coil, anda lead, tuned for, or otherwise suitable for receiving electromagneticenergy. The wireless energy receptor can include a conductive material,such as, for example, a metallic material. Suitable metallic materialsinclude: gold, silver and copper. Conductive fibers may also besuitable, such as conductive carbon fibers.

In some embodiments, a GRL Device 100 may interface with an externalpower source emitting a bandwidth of electromagnetic energy to GRLDevices in proximity to the external power source. The bandwidth ofelectromagnetic energy may be tuned to a set of frequencies suitable forbeing harvested by an antenna, coil or other energy harvesting aspectincluded with the GRL Device 100.

In some examples, a Power Source 102 may include an energy harvesterthat includes a motion based device, such as a piezoelectric film oracoustical receiver. Other examples include power derived from amechanism that utilizes photovoltaic, thermal differential, ultrasonic,biological, and/or IR, as non-limiting examples.

A processor, such as a Central Processing Unit, CPU 112, is included inthe GRL Device 100. In some embodiments, a Central Processing Unit, CPU112 may be based in a microcontroller unit 110 (“MCU”) that integratesprocessing logic with display and storage capability. Examples of MCU'sinclude Silicon Labs™ products, such as the EFM8™, EFM 32™ and theC8051Fx™ MCUs; and ultra-low power microcontrollers such as ARMprocessors.

The CPU interfaces with GRL Device components 101-116 and externaldevices 121-123 and is capable of executing logical instructions, suchas, instructions included in executable code. The interface may beaccomplished, for example via one or both of a data bus 111 and acommunication interface 116.

The GRL Device 100 may include a Memory 114 which acts as primarystorage and provides RAM (Random Access Memory) or dynamic RAMfunctionality. In general the Memory 114 holds data and instructions forprocessing by the CPU 112 for only as long as a program they pertain tois being executed by the processor. A memory may be situated to providevery fast access to instructions and data. Xxx

The GRL Device 100 may additionally include a Data Storage 108 forstoring data more permanently than a Memory 114. The Data Storage 108may function as secondary storage and transfer desired data usingintermediate area in primary storage. In preferred embodiments, the DataStorage 108 is non-volatile. GRL Device 100 may include two orders ofmagnitude or more of secondary storage as compared to memory 114(primary storage). Data Storage 108 may include one or more of: SSD,ROM, EPROM, firmware or other digital storage medium.

In some implementations, the Data Storage 108 includes a database oftransmitter locations (GPS coordinates) and identifier signals (stationidentifier codes). Data including global locations for transmitterlocations may include approximately 100 megabytes of data. In prevalentstorage densities of presently available storage devices, such as CMOSdata storage devices, 100 megabytes may equate to a fraction of a squaremillimeter of CMOS storage.

In addition to data, a Data Storage 108 may include an operating systemand executable code compatible with the operating system. Typically theoperating system will include a micro controller or embedded operatingsystems, such as Embedded Linux, OpenWrt, Android, NetBSD, RTOS or otheravailable operating system compatible with a the controller 110.

The controller 110 may execute software commands the implement one orboth of Trilateration and triangulation, wherein trilateration is viewedherein as a process of determining absolute or relative locations ofpoints by measurement of distances, using the geometry of circles,spheres or triangles; and triangulation includes a process ofdetermining the location of a point by measuring angles to it from knownpoints at either end of a fixed baseline, rather than measuringdistances to the point directly (trilateration). It could be locatedfrom the angles subtended from three known points, but measured at thenew unknown point rather than the previously fixed points. A locationdetermination may be more accurately determined based upon a mesh oftriangles at a larger appropriate scale. Points inside the triangles maybe accurately located with reference to the larger scale.

The storage may include a list of known reference points that may beused in trilateration. Reference Points that may be utilized by logicbeing executed by the GRL Device 100 may include one or more generallyfixed locations, such as, by way of example: cellular service tower, FMBroadcast Tower, Wi-Fi Hotspot with fixed location, Repeaters or GRLEASBroadcasters. In addition, in some implementations, a GRL System willdetermine a location based upon relative location to generally non-fixedlocation devices, such as, for example, one or more of: a Wi-Fi Hotspotwith non-fixed locations, GRLE Smartphones, GRLE Wi-Fi Routers, GRLENear Field Communications devices etc. In some aspects, a GRL Device maycomprise full bi-directional communication components, such as aTransmitter 106 in addition to the Receiver 105. In some embodiments,intercommunication may occur between multiple GRL Devices and act asrelays of data contained in their respective Data Storage 108capacities. In some implementations, intercommunication between one ormore of: multiple GRL Devices 100 and Smart Gateways may utilize aunique communication protocol not recognized by commonly recognizedindustry standards organizations.

A Data Storage 108 may also include Local Profile Data Values, such as,for example time intervals, may be set for individual or homogenous GRLDevices 100 to minimize energy consuming operations such as runningtrilateration applications and activating sensors. The time intervalsmay comprise a broad range and may be programmed in a profile Data Valueand stored in the Data Storage 108, such as an SSD, in the GRL Device.In some aspects, the programming may include preprogramming, wherein aprofile including ranges of values of one or more Data Values may be setas part of a manufacturing and preparation process. The Data Values maybe set based upon variables relating to deployment of the GRL Device100.

Accordingly, by way of example, Data Values may be based upon one ormore of: an Asset type to which a GRL Device 100 will be Affixed;components of the GRL Device; expected environment into which the GRLDevice will be deployed; power sources for the GRL Device and/associatedsensors; length of time the GRL Device will be deployed; or othervariable. Data Values may be stored in the SSD or other Data Storage108.

In some embodiments, a Data Value range may be programmed with itsunique profiles of an individual Asset or according to the needs of aset of homogenous Assets (such as a case of soup cans or a pallet ofautomotive alternators).

A Data Value range may be programmed prior to being Affixed to an Asset,during an affixing process or after a GRL Device is Affixed. Forexample, a GRL Device may be Affixed to an Asset and stored in amanufacturers warehouse. In some embodiments, the GRL Device may receiveData Values before becoming Affixed to an Asset or during an Affixingprocess, in which case the Data Values GRL Device may be useful duringstorage in the manufacturer's warehouse. In other embodiments, the GRLDevice may receive Data Value settings just prior to the Asset to whichit is Affixed leaves the warehouse and include Data Values conducive toa next destination for the Asset to which it is Affixed.

Embodiments therefore include a GRL Device 100 may receive Data Valuesaccording to an Asset type, such as, by way of non-limiting example: aSmartphone, a vehicle, a container, livestock, produce, anidentification means for a human, and a vehicle.

In some implementations, Data Values, such as timing interval profiles,may be programmable throughout the life of a GRL Device, wherein LocalProfile Data Values may be adjusted and reprogrammed. For example, itmay be preferable to adjust timing profiles when there is aSelf-Determined location change in a Spatial Domain and/or a Status,such as a change in ownership. Data indicating a change of ownership, orother status change, may be stored an external server accessible via acommunication network.

In some embodiments, a memory device and/or an external ProfilerDatabase 410 may store Profiles with Local Profile Data Values for eachof the homologous types of Assets GRL Devices are linked with in aCollective. In some aspects, the Profile may set the radio frequency ofscanning for signals, the time interval in which scanning takes place,the UUID of the GRL Device.

In another aspect, in some embodiments, a GRL Device 100 may provide avery low energy transmission for receipt by one or more of: another GRLDevice; a GRL Gateway App or other receiver. The very low energytransmission may include short electromagnetic signal pulses with uniquesequence of transmission time intervals (based on an internal MAC), thathave a one to one correlation with a UUID wherein the GRL Device and/orits Asset can be definitively identified. This will enable many similarAssets in close proximity such as on a shelf or in a warehouse, peoplein a crowd, a shipping container or other dense collection of Assets, totransmit data and eliminate data collisions while operating withinextreme low power requirements.

An atomic clock enables transmission of data including precise timingdata. As described in the definition of highly accurate timing, a GRLDevice may include timing data accurate to frequency errors of 1 part in10¹² or better. Timing data may be transmitted over a defined timeperiod and associated with a specific GRL Device, which in turn may beassociated with a specific Asset. One or both of the GRL Device and theAsset may be identified with a UUID in order to maintain accurate recordof each GRL Device and Asset.

Power may be conserved by scheduling transmissions based upon one orboth of: a time interval programmed into the CPU and receipt of asignaling pulse requesting a transmission (sometimes referred to as apoll). Scheduled delays between signaling pulses provide a method ofenabling low operating power. In some preferred embodiments, lowoperating power may be provided by ambient energy harvestingtechnologies. Harvested energy may include for example one or both ofwireless electromagnetic energy and energy harvested from movement ofthe GRL Device. Harvested energy may be used to directly power one ormore components within the GRL Device, or to recharge an energy storagedevice in electrical communication with, or incorporated into the GRLDevice. Operation of the GRL Device may include driving a RF transmitterfor a short bursts of electromagnetic energy pulses.

In some implementations, a GRL Device may include one or more sensors109 that provide data to the GRL Device 100. Sensors 109 may measurevarious ambient conditions, such as, environmental factors and physicalconditions a GRL Device 100 has encountered. Accordingly, sensors 109may measure variables including, but not limited. One or more of: totemperature, humidity, noise and/or acoustics, motion; vibration;electromagnetic signals; visual conditions; lighting; radiation; speed;acceleration; particulate; chemicals; or other factors.

In some implementations, the sensors may comprise one or more electronicmotes. One or more of the electronic motes may be in logicalcommunication with a GRL Device 100 and be associated with one or bothof a GRL Device and an Asset. Accordingly, a plurality of scatteredelectronic motes may act as sensors to ascertain one or more predefinedData Values, such as temperature or motion. The mote sensors may conveydata generated by the mote sensor to a GRL Device. In some embodiments,a plurality of motes may autonomously establish communication links,between motes on a same or different GRL Device.

In some implementations, a GRL Device 100 may be identified via a UUID(universally unique identifier) which may be stored in the Data Storage108, wherein the UUID may comprise a sequence of numbers, a sequence ofdigital values, an auditory pattern such as a sequence ofmulti-frequency tones, a visual pattern such as set of timed blinkinglights, a biological based code such as an airborne molecular shape withdetectable properties such as a pheromone, spore containing uniquemolecular markers, and/or genetic coding sequence, a liquid containing aset of unique identifiable molecule, a material that is embedded with aunique set of molecules.

In some implementations, the GRL Device may comprise trilaterationcalculating devices that include software operations running geometrycomputations based on a list of known transmitters and their exactlocation coordinates.

In some aspects, the GRL Device may be able to determine as a self-awaredevice as to its accuracy by processing its Local Profile Data Valuesand running one or both of a triangulation and trilateration programexecuted on the CPU 112, which may allow the GRL Device to recognize aneed to recalibrate. The GRL Device may be self-calibrating, wherein itmay recognize a prolonged absence of signals, reset location data, andreestablish location from transmitter signals.

Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the GRL Device may comprise aData Storage 108. In some aspects, the GRL Device may comprise localknowledge of characterizations and profiles of RF transmitter, profilethe local (inside the currently located Spatial Domain) radio reflectionpaths within a domain to improve the accuracy of transmitters, such aswith timing profiles, and storage of the average variances of reflectionpaths within structures, such as buildings 203, ships 201, containersand boxes 204, shelves 205 or trucks 202, apparatus 206. In someaspects, a GRL Device may build profiles by layering signal data torefine structural information, such as by receiving profile updatesthrough a centralized database service that may periodically publishrefined profile data for one or more Domains by utilizing calibrationsignals.

In some implementations, the sensors may comprise one or more motes. Insome embodiments, one or more electronic motes may be in logicalcommunication with a GRL Device and be associated with one or both of aGRL Device and an Asset. Accordingly, a plurality of scatteredelectronic motes may act as sensors to ascertain one or more predefinedData Values, such as temperature or motion. The mote sensors may conveydata generated by the mote sensor to a GRL Device. In some embodiments,a plurality of motes may autonomously establish communication links,between motes on a same or different GRL Device.

In some implementations, an event source 121 may provide a sensortriggering condition directly into a sensor 109 or sensor conditions maybe transmitted via external transmitters 122. In various examples, theSensors 109 may be substantially any transducer that is capable ofsensing an Event Signal produced by the Event Source 121. In particular,the Sensors 109 may be adapted to receive and transform various types ofphysical quantities associated with the Event Source 121 including, butnot limited to, vibrations and various related pressure waves (e.g.,seismic motion, acoustic waves, etc.), electromagnetic fieldfluctuations and waves, a presence or absence of various atomic ormolecular species (e.g., a molecular sensor), and physical quantitiesresulting from various nuclear processes (e.g., ionizing radiation).

In some examples, the Sensor, transceiver 123 transforms a sensedcondition into an electronic signal (e.g., a voltage, current, etc.)that corresponds to or is related to the sensed condition. For example,a photonic Sensor 109 (e.g., a photodiode) may transform a sensedcondition relating to photons into a corresponding electrical signal atan output of the photonic sensor. The output may be one or both of:processed by the Controller 110 and stored in the Data Storage 108.

Examples of transducers that monitor vibration include, but are notlimited to, an accelerometer (e.g., a piezoelectric accelerometer, aMicro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) accelerometer). A vibration maybe associated with a seismic event such as a vibrating vehicle. TheSensor 109 may include an accelerometer that acts as a transducer forvibration energy that is received as a result of being in contact withthe ground or floor of vehicle or other boxes in a vehicle through whichvibrations propagate from a seismic source.

Examples of vibration related sensors include, but are not limited to,strain-based piezoelectric sensors, microphone-type sensors,capacitor-based microphone-type sensor and various sensors based onpiezo-resistivity. For example, a strain Sensor 109 may be attached to astructure (e.g., an automobile strut) and an event may cause vibrationto the structure. The vibrations, in turn, induce a signal to begenerated from the strain Sensor 109.

In another aspect, external transmitters 122 may also communicate withthe GRL Device 100 via wireless communication to transfer one or both oflogic and data to the GRL Device 100. Logic may be used by the GRLDevice 100 to provide functionality as the device operates. Data may bereferenced during logical operations.

Some implementations include a transceiver 123 that may be used as anintermediary device between one or both of an external condition and anexternal logic device. The transceiver may receive input, such as theactivation of a switch by a user and provide a signal into the GRLDevice 100 based upon the input received. Transceivers 123 may becapable of receiving input from a user or from another apparatus.

Optional modules 10 may be included in the GRL Device 100 to provide oneor both of additional logic to be executed by the GRL Device 100 or datato be accessed by the CPU 112.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exemplary series of Spatial Domains forAssets that may comprise one or more GRL Device is illustrated. Asdefined more fully below, a Spatial Domain is essentially a definedspace within which a GRL Device may be located. The Spatial Domain maybe defined according to a set of coordinates within which a GRL Deviceis contained. A set of fixed coordinates may include, for example: GPSvalues, a fixed location on or above the earth represented withLatitude/Longitude coordinates and altitude). A set of relativecoordinates may include, for example, one or more of: a positionaldescription relative to another Asset or person, such as a shippingpallet or a vehicle, or a structure, such as a building. Relativecoordinates may include, for example: a moving Spatial Domain such as apallet on a transport vehicle.

Fixed coordinates and relative coordinates may be uniquely named,defined as a contiguous set of vectors forming an enclosed area such as,for example, a circle (as in property lines) or spherical area (such asa 3D shape) or is commonly known by such as inside a building or insidea box or inside a store room spatial domain

A profile associated with a particular GRL Device, Asset, and/or anAsset type may set Data Values associated with a Spatial Domain suchthat a predefined action may occur when one or both of a positionallocation relative to a Spatial Domain or a GRL Device Status changes.

As an illustrative example, an Asset such as a Television product may betracked throughout shipping and storage until authorized use. In someaspects, a GRL Device may recognize that it is in transit in a containeron a ship 201 (over a body of water), and a frequency of Log entries maybe once every 12 hours. The GRL Device may recognize that it is intransit in a container on a truck 202 (on roadways), and a frequency ofLog entries may be once every 8 hours. The GRL Device may recognize thatit is in a bulk box 204 in a store warehouse, building 203, and afrequency of Log entries may remain every 2 hours. The GRL Device mayrecognize that it is in the bulk box and that bulk box has been opened,and the frequency of Log entries may be once every 24 hours.

In some embodiments, the Local Profile may set awake/sleep timinginterval values. For example, the timing may be based on purpose, suchas follow an Asset or verify that it left or arrived at a specificlocation (a designated Spatial Domain).

As another example, the timing may be based on Asset type, such as whileon a Ship 201 the GRL Device may scan less frequently than while it hasreceived notice that it is on a Truck 202 or a container such as a Box204 may scan less frequently than an individual product.

In some aspects, GRL Devices may be able to wake up each other up bysending the appropriate Local Profile Data Value wake up values. Forexample, in the same box, a product removed from its Box 204 containerDomain may trigger an update of Local Profile Data Values for all otherAssets (products) left in the Box, container, store, and/or ship.

The GRL Device may recognize that it is out of the bulk box (because itstrilateration calculations and Spatial Domain location calculationsindicate that it is now longer in proximity to or it cannot communicatewith its Collective) and stocked on a shelf 205 based on itscommunications with other GRL Devices and sensor reading associated withair pressure sensors. If a GRL Device determines it is in its individualbox and within an authorized location or store, and the frequency of Logentries may be once every 2 hours. The GRL Device may recognize (byquerying its Local Database of valid coordinates for the designatedSpatial Domain) that it is out of the bulk box in an unauthorizedlocation because it did not receive a Status (such as an ownership DataValue) change setting after it left a Retail location 440. The GRLDevice may recognize that it is in use by an authorized user, and thefrequency of Log entries may be reduced to once every 7 days.

In some aspects, the GRL Device may receive a privacy sleep or killsignal, wherein scanning may be terminated or scanning may be pauseduntil a designated time period. This may occur at a Warehouse 430 or atPoint of Sale 443 or at the Consumer's discretion. In some embodiments,scanning may resume until plugged in again and a confirming privacysleep signal is received. Such aspects may allow a stolen product to betracked by publishing its Log when it is in range of a Data Network.

As another illustrative example, a container position may be trackedwithin a port and within a ship 201 or truck 202. The GRL Device mayrecognize it is in a port, and the frequency of Log entries may be onceevery 4 hours. The GRL Device may recognize it is in transit within theshipyard, and the frequency of Log entries may increase to once every 30minutes. The GRL Device may recognize it is being transferred onto aship where it receives a Spatial Domain signal from the ship, and thefrequency of Log entries may decrease to once every day. The GRL Devicemay recognize a signal from a truck 202 and the frequency of Log entriesmay increase to once every hour.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram illustrates a block diagram ofreference points or transmitters 301-303 as they may be used inconjunction one or both of triangulation and trilateration functionsassociated with a GRL Device. An exemplary GRL Device 300 receivestransmissions from multiple reference points, such as, proximatecommunications towers (Transmitters 301, 302, 303). In the illustratedexample, the GRL Device 300 is located within a Retailer building 304with long rectangles representing shelves and boxes representing storeshelves and check out areas respectively.

The triangulation may reference the transmitters 301-303 to execute aprocess of determining a location the GRL Device 300 by measuring anglesfrom transmitters 301-303 at either end of a fixed baseline or otherprocess of determining absolute or relative locations of points bymeasurement of distances, using the geometry of circles, spheres ortriangles (via well-known trilateration algorithms), or from measuringdistances to the GRL Device 300 to the transmitters 301-303 directly(trilateration). For example, the point can then be fixed as the thirdpoint of a triangle with one known side and two known angles.

As discussed in detail within this disclosure, a controller may executelogic to determine a location of a GRL Device 300 based upon principalsof one or both of Trilateration and triangulation, wherein trilaterationincludes logic for a process of determining absolute or relativelocations of the GRL Device 300 according to distances. Thedetermination is based upon logic using geometry of circles, spheres ortriangles. Similarly, logic based upon triangulation may determine alocation of a GRL Device 300 based upon angles to the GRL Device 300from reference points of transmitters 301-303 at either end of a fixedbaseline, rather than measuring distances to the point directly(trilateration). A location of the GRL Device 300 may be determinedbased upon angles subtended from three known points, but measured at thenew unknown point rather than the previously fixed points. A locationdetermination may be more accurately determined based upon a mesh oftriangles at a larger appropriate scale. Points inside the triangles maybe accurately located with reference to the larger scale.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure an authenticatedlocation may be determined based upon a list of known reference pointssuch as Transmitters 301 that may be used in trilateration and/ortriangulation logic execution. Known or certified or authentic ReferencePoints of transmitters 301-303 may include by way of non-limitingexample: cellular service tower, FM Broadcast Tower, Wi-Fi Hotspot withfixed location, a GRL Base Device, a Repeater, and GRLEAS Broadcasters.

In addition, in some implementations, a GRL System may execute logic todetermine a location based upon a relative location to generallynon-fixed location devices, such as, for example, one or more of: aWi-Fi Hotspot with non-fixed locations, GRL Enabled Smartphones, GRLEnabled Wi-Fi Routers, GRL Enabled Near Field Communications devices,GRL Enabled Assets that move.

As illustrated, a Spatial Domain for the GRL Device 300 may include theRetailer building 304. A GRL Device may execute logic based upondetermination of an authenticated location utilizing the transmitters301-303 as reference points. Logic may include, for example, one or moreof: establishing itself as part of a Collective, determining that theGRL Device 300 is in an authorized location (the Retailer Building)establishing that it is in a box with other GRL Devices 300 eachassociated with a UUID of a product to be sold.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, authenticated determinationof one or more users 305-308 may be determined and logged. Tracking ofusers 305-308 may be undertaken, for example, in the case of foreignnationals entering within a national border. The users 305-508 may berequired to carry a passport or other documentation that has a GRLDevice 300 fixedly attached to the passport or other documentation.

As the User 305-308 changes locations, they may be tracked in relationto a building 304 or other landmark. The Users 305-308 may also betracked in relation to other Users 305-308, such as for example multiplecongregated Users 305; a User 306 in a known city; Users 307 who checkin at predetermined intervals; and Users 308 with security clearances.Logic may be executed on a controller and determine whether rulespertaining to specific Users 305-308 are being adhered to, or ifanomalies take place. Authentication may be derived from a combinationof unique identifiers for reference location of transmitters 301-303 anda PKI associated with a GRL Device 300 UUID associated with a User305-308. In some embodiments, logic may also publish a location and apublic key that allows another Person to ascertain a location of a User305-308.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a schematic diagram illustrates some exemplaryembodiments of a GRL System 400 as it pertains to an exemplary lifecycleof a GRL Enabled Asset. Various devices and apparatus represented in theillustration are in logical communication and thereby capable oftransmitting data, such as digital data organized into logical patternsof electric pulses. In some embodiments, logical communication willinclude a Data Communications Network, such as, for example, one or moreof: the Internet, a Virtual Private Network and a cellular network.Additional examples of communications mediums may include, Wi-Fi, NearField Communications, and Bluetooth, RF or other vehicle for conveyinglogic and/or data.

A UUID Generator 401 generates and transmits or otherwise conveys aunique identifier to a GRL Device 404. The unique identifier may includea binary string of data. In some preferred embodiments, the binarystring of data includes 128 bit codes. The UUID generator 401 mayinclude a processor executing logic or firmware code.

Upon request, the UUID Generator 401 provides a list of valid andtrackable UUID codes. The UUID Codes allow for one or more Assets to beidentified throughout their life cycle and usage. The UUIDs created bythe UUID Generator 401 may be transmitted via a communications networkas a file or other valid data format to several locations such as, forexample, to one or more of: a Manufacturer 402; a Profiler 410, a DataAggregator 461, a Data Processor 462 and a Data Reporter 463.

GRLE Security devices such as USB chips with security codes may beenabled to retain location log data and publish to a Data Aggregator 461through the computer that it is plugged into, using that computer as aGateway to the public Internet. In this regard, any security device andits associated computer may constantly publish its physical location ina way that the location of a computer and its GRLE Security device canbe authenticated with a high level on a security Quality Seal.

Broadcasting of activation codes of certain privacy settings by policeagencies may include higher levels of authentication using knowntechniques such as challenge response and secret keys embedded with eachGRL Device and its UUID, in this regard, privacy can be maintained andonly a registered owner of an Asset with its UUID may create a requestthat will enable police to activate controls, such as, for example,privacy settings from off to on, broadcast location log and otherinteractive controls.

Notification by a registered owner of an Asset may be accomplished bylogging into a Data Aggregator 461 site where the user may request analert for all GRL Device enabled Assets who participate to transmit theprivacy update signal as well as listen for the extreme low power uniquesequence of transmission time intervals that can be added to nearly allGRL Devices. Filtering mechanisms such as geography and types ofenvironments can limit the number of requests that participatingreceivers need to listen.

A GRL Device Manufacturer 402 may add GRL Device UUID codes as well as alist of known transmitter locations (obtained from a Data Aggregator461) which may be placed in SSD and or Data Storage.

When a GRL Devices 404 is shipped or otherwise moved to an Affixer 420,a Data Aggregator 461 may receive a list of GRL Device UUIDs via atransmission that associates the GRL Devices with an Affixer 420.

A Profiler 410 may include automated apparatus that generates logic anddata to be conveyed to the GRL Device 404. In some implementations, astream of data may be transmitted to a GRL Device 404 when it is inAuthenticated Configuration Mode.

A Local Profile database may include a variety of different types ofdata based on the type of use that is planned for the GRL Device.Typical Local Profiles include Utility Tables of Security Codes,Ownership Tables, UUID, Date Time Stamps, Log File Configurations andthe like. Since GRL Devices may be based on multi use controllers, it iswithin the scope of this disclosure to have varied potential LocalProfiles. The present disclosure includes a number of specific examplesfrom which a person of ordinary skill in Computer Science would easilydetermine appropriate Data Elements to be stored to enable thefunctionality described

An Affixer 420 is any apparatus or person that undertakes the actionsrequired to Affix a GRL Device to an Asset. In some embodiments, anAffixer receives stand-alone GRL Device and fixedly attaches the GRLDevice 404 to an Asset. In other embodiments, an Affixer willincorporate a GRL Device 404 into another product which becomes theAsset. It is within the scope of this invention to authenticate a timeand location of the Affixer and the GRL Device when an act of Affixingtakes place. The authenticated time and place of Affixing is useful foridentifying non-authorized Assets that have entered the stream ofcommerce. Non authorized Assets may include, one or more of: counterfeitAssets; Assets not authorized to leave a manufacturer or distributor;gray market Assets, and black market Assets. As such, pharmaceuticals orother trackable Assets destined for one marketplace can be identified ifthey appear in another marketplace. Similarly border control may scanAssets crossing the border and determine their origin and whether aproclaimed destination is legitimate.

The GRL Device Manufacturer 402 may place Local Profile Data Values thathave been established for the type of Asset (and in some cases mayinclude unique Data Values for each serialized Asset) that the GRLDevice is to be associated or embedded or build with when it isdelivered to the Affixer 420 (which is typically a manufacturingfacility of any type of Asset or it may be where people manually handleAssets that contain GRL Devices) which performs the function of AssetManufacturing and Affixing 403. This information of the associated GRLDevices and Assets can be transmitted to one or more Data Aggregators461.

Information containing the association of one or more GRL Devices toAssets can be transmitted to one or more Data Aggregators 461 at a timeconsistent with the when the GRL Device is Affixed to an Assets. In someembodiments, the GRL Device will be Affixed during Asset manufacturing.Additional embodiments include, a GRL Device being associated with aBoxes 204 or shipping container in which the Asset is transported, orretail packaging associated with the Asset.

An Affixer may move from a manufacturer 481 to the Affixer 420 and thento a logistics and transportation company that moves 482 the Assets(finished goods) and transmit the list of Assets with the associated GRLDevices and Boxes.

A shipping company may move 483 the Assets from a Warehouse 430 to aRetail location Spatial Domain 440 and then place them in receiving bayor storeroom 441 and then transmit to a Data Aggregator 461 thecompletion of delivery.

An individual GRL Device 404 may then receive signals 470 from theRetailer 440 as an associated Asset moves 483, 484, and 485 within thestore.

Events and interactions between GRLEAs and people such as, one or moreof: finding products, finding Assets on sale, finding nearby Assets,learning details about an individual or homogenous Group of Assets,moving Assets from a delivery dock to a storeroom or other movement.

When an Asset leaves a Retail Spatial Domain 440 after going through acheck out point of sale 443 at another Spatial Domain it is moved 486 bythe new Consumer User 450 (which may be an individual, a family, anemployee, an agent or a UAV/Drone) who enters the Spatial Domain ofstorage closet 451 at the door, as it places the Asset in theConsumer/Users Spatial Domain 450 where it may move 487, 488 to astorage area (such as a closet 451, locker 452, pantry, refrigerator,storeroom, etc.) wherein the Authenticated Location information can betransmitted to a Data Aggregator.

When the GRL Device detects that its Asset has been utilized, it maytransmit the data to a Data Aggregator 461

The Data Aggregators 461 may capture data from various industries,retailers, associations, government agencies, payment processors or anyother entity that tracks the movement and status of products.

Various aspects of the functionality presented (i.e. 410-411, 461-463)may be accomplished with a controller or other automated processor thatmay be embodied in apparatus specific to one or more of the functionsillustrated. The controller may include a processor unit, such as one ormore processors, coupled to a communication device configured tocommunicate logic and/or data. In some aspects, the communication devicemay be used to communicate for with one or more online devices, such asa Smart Gateway, checkout terminal, laptop, or a handheld device.

In some aspects, the processor may be in logical communication with astorage device. The storage device may include appropriate informationstorage device, including combinations of electronic storage devices,such as, for example, one or more of: hard disk drives, optical storagedevices, and semiconductor memory devices such as Random Access Memory(RAM) devices and Read Only Memory (ROM) devices.

Retail theft (“shrinkage”) poses a significant problem and retailcheck-out lines are expensive to operate. Products with packaging andlabels embedded in products (Assets) that contain GRL Device enableddevices will enable a wide variety of new crime prevention and customerconvenience options. Bar codes and RFID tags have made improvements inretail operations however, they do not address the ability forindividual products to track their physical location.

As described herein, numerous strategies can be implemented to meetindividual retailer preferences for linking payment transaction modes asproducts leave the retailers Spatial Domain while in close proximity toa shopper who is carrying a GRL Device equipped broadcasting Smartphone.This same broadcasting Smartphone can be spatially analyzed by anapplication in the Smart Phone to register that the Assets in theshopping cart are moving in close proximity. In this way, as a cart isfilled, the list of items intended to be purchased can be displayed bythe app and when the cart leaves a retailers Spatial Domain a paymenttransaction can be initiated. In some embodiments, the paymenttransaction may be completed by an affirmative action taken by aPurchaser controlling a Smartphone or other mobile device running anassociated application. In some embodiments, items in a cart mayautomatically associated with multiple Smartphones in proximity to thecart.

As a Purchaser completes a purchase transaction, all purchased items maybe receive a purchased indication on all Smartphones the items appearedand/or be removed from one or more Smartphones onto which the itemslogged. In this manner, only one Purchaser will be charged for an itemwith a given GRL Devices UUID.

Once purchased items are carried to a home refrigerator, pantry or astoreroom, a Smartphone application may be configured to activate acamera so that Assets within view may be displayed and Local Profilestatus Data Values of individual Assets could be queried and nearness toexpiration date (based on environment log data) could be calculated andthen superimposed over the image from the camera. In this regard, a usercould very quickly scan and evaluate the various food products orwhatever assets may need to be utilized next.

Typically a user of the Data Reporter may be an official or employee ofthe agency or entity that locates, tracks and/or monitors GRL Devicetagged Assets (just as today where a vibrant industry exists fortracking and reporting of RFID tagged products exists). The user of theData Reporter service may be an owner, shipper, carrier, recipient orother individual or entity having an interest in the Asset and/or itslocation, and so there may be many such users utilizing the GlobalResource Locator service.

At locations where GRL Devices are utilized, 402, 420, 430, 440, 450 anda transportation vehicle along the way may communicate directly with theGRL Devices by transmitting signals 470 detected by the GRL Device'sreceiver 105. The illustration of the various communications of signals470 is meant to show individual transmissions at various stages as a GRLDevice and its associated Asset is moved in a Retail and Consumer/Userenvironment. It is not intended to be a complete list or illustration ofthe possible uses of a GRL Device with associated Assets.

In addition, transmissions by users of a Global Resource Locator servicemay use computers in one or more Spatial Domains such as manufacturer402, affixer 420, warehouse 430, retail location 440, and consumer user450 directly with GRL Devices and not deliver the information to a DataAggregator 461.

Some users that access data from computers may have a signature capturedevice or other identification device associated therewith forcontrolling access to the UUID data, contents of the SSD 153 or the Log108A or the Data Storage 108.

In addition, users may include government agencies that may have ordesire real-time access Asset, Domain and Profile information pertinentthereto, such as security agencies, port and terminal agencies, defenseagencies, judicial agencies, corrections agencies, police andinvestigative agencies that may need or desire information available viaPC, Tablet or Smartphone type device.

In some aspects, GRL Devices 404 may be utilized in advertising for awide variety of applications, for example wherein pricing may be basedon querying a centralized database (Data Aggregator 461) containinginformation regarding GRL Devices and their Logs who bought it, such asbulk or loyalty customers may pay a lower price after the fact when theConsumer's 450 Spatial Domain is recognized as the new location of aparticular purchased Asset containing a GRL Device with a Transmitter.

In some embodiments, GRL Devices 404 may be utilized to increaseefficiency of ordering products based on real time supply and demandinformation provided by GRL Devices to Aggregators 461 who deliver toData Processors 462 and then deliver to Data Reporters 463 who tabulatedata base on individual products across all modes of distribution andsales.

It is noted that a computer and a storage symbol in dashed boxed lineillustrated in the Profiler 410, Data Aggregator 461, Data Processor 462and Data Reporter 463 may comprise one or more of the PC server andstorage arrangement and elements. A centralized computer system includesone or more database servers coupled to one or more storage devices. Thestorage devices may located at a different location than is the main orprimary storage device, so as to provide data backup and protectionagainst such dangers as fire, earthquake, cut fiber line, DDOS attacketc. Typically and preferably a firewall is provided for protectingcomputer from unauthorized access, from malicious viruses and fromunauthorized access of data. Such computer system may include a localswitch, a router, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN),a wireless network, a connection to the public Internet.

In some embodiments, a multi element system as illustrated preferablyincludes access via the Internet or another network or communicationmedium, such that properly authorized users such as defense, security,intelligence and other agencies, as well as shippers, owners,recipients, and the like, may have essentially immediate access tolocation and tracking records and/or history at any time authorized.Thus, such persons may have “real time,” i.e. essentially immediate,access to the current locating and tracking records in a local, regionaland/or central database at any time, whereby real and/or perceivedthreats may be identified and acted upon appropriately. Alternatively,all or part of the aggregated locating and tracking database by the DataAggregator 461 on computer PC may be loaded onto individual computers,either via the Internet or other network or SSDs or other medium, foruse at a site wherein Internet/intranet access is inconvenient or notavailable.

Suitable software that may be used to generate logic with the foregoingcomputers includes, for example, Oracle, Microsoft and IBM offerrelational database software and development frameworks whichfacilitates communication between various users and the computers of aGRL Device 100. Various other suitable software is available fromdifferent sources known to PHOSITAs, e.g., for data capture, databases,data retrieval, networking, Internet interfacing, etc.

In some aspects, GRL Device's Data Processor 462 communicating via theInternet to a retail checkout location or point of sale 443 may allowfor flexible payment terms, which may eliminate the need of an immediatepayment transaction because it has authenticated that the buyer has aregistered GRL Device on their person or some other authenticationdevice has uniquely identified the individual and is at the samelocation.

In some implementations, GRL Devices may include anti-theft devices,wherein the GRL Device may recognize when it is removed and/or used in alocation (a designated Absolute or Relative Spatial Domain) other thanthe expected or authorized location (the Spatial Domain for that GRLDevice). The GRL Device that is associated with a container such as Box204 may maintain a log of Spatial Domains within a vehicle such as aTruck 202 and when it no longer receives its signals that it is in rangemay then relay this information to the GRL Devices within the Box 204 sothe individual GRL Devices may store Log 108A files for subsequentqueries that the GRL Device can respond to with its Transmitter.

GRL Devices may decouple near field communication requirements forpayment transaction approval. For example, the GRL Devices may beself-aware, and a customer may not be charged for an ordered productuntil the shipped product arrives at the customer's home.

In some embodiments, GRL Devices may provide data for quality control.For example, for crops, GRL Devices may be randomly distributed wherethey can publish their location and then it may monitor its designatedStatus, such as an area of the crops where temperature, humidity, pollenand other airborne particulates, and/or measurable conditions of theenvironment.

In some implementations, GRL Devices may be used with livestock. Forexample, chickens are often shipped alive, and GRL Devices may allow auser to track precisely, log and report, when, where, and under whatenvironmental conditions livestock experienced in transit.

In some aspects, GRL Devices may be used in food product containers,wherein a user may track the internal and/or ambient environmentalconditions throughout shipping, once a GRL Device is attached.

In some embodiments, GRL Devices may be used in drug administration. Forexample, one or more of: a patient arm band, a syringe, a nurse, and acontainer with an injectable drug dose may each have a GRL Device. Thesyringe's GRL Device may awake when its motion detector senses beingremoved from a storage box and may scan radio signals for trilaterationat a shorter timing interval until in proximity to one or both a nurseor the injectable drug container. The GRL Device located on the personof a nurse may awake when it receives an awake signal from a hospital'sinterior Spatial Domain transmitter, wherein the GRL Device may beembedded in a uniform, nametag, bracelet, identity badge or person. AGRL Device in injectable drug dose may awake with an accelerometerdetected movement of the bottle, may track remaining doses with its Log108A, and based on its Local Profile Data Value, may transmit an alarmsignal if removed from an authorized location prior to being empty, andmay go into sleep mode when empty. The GRL Device in the Syringe may Logits proximity to the patients arm band's GRL Device and then transmitwhen requested by a Data Aggregator 461.

In some aspects, GRL Devices may be used in ecological or scientificstudies, such as to track wildlife and study Group dynamics, which mayuse intra-communication between GRL Devices.

In some aspects, the GRL Device may receive privacy configurationinformation that can be configured and updated at a designated location,such as for example one or more of: a Warehouse 430; a Point of Sale443; and at locations of the Consumer's discretion such as storagecloset 451, locker 452, and storage area 453. The settings may includeaccess to a portion of the GRL Device Local Profile 411 and may beuniquely coded to an individual GRL Device's UUID.

Referring now to FIG. 05, schematic diagram illustrates some of theexemplary embodiments of GRL system 500 with a GRL Device 501 andvarious apparatus with which it relates and communication mediums withvarious RF sources for trilateration and/or triangulation. Varioussources of reference signals are illustrated from which at GRL Device501 may listen for signals. As illustrated, a single solid communicationline 513 represents signals from a Cell Tower 503, a dashed line 514represents a signal from a tall FM broadcast tower that operatestypically in the 100 Megahertz band, a double line 511 representssignals from a GRL transmitter 505, a triple line 512 representsBluetooth 502 from a base GRL Station or Smart Gateway, such as aSmartphone, a quadruple line 516 represents signals from a NFC 506device and a dash dot dash line 515 represents signals from a Wi-Fitransmitter 570 the Wi-Fi transmitter may include a GRL Base Stationthat transmits logic as well as electromagnetic power capable of beingreceived as power by a GRL Device 501. As discussed herein,electromagnetic power may be received by a GRL Device 501 and managed toprovide operational power to the GRL Device 501.

Typically, Cell Towers 503 and the FM Broadcast towers 504 have a rangebroadcast and station identifier NNNN signal that a GRL Device 501 needsto enable it to Self-Locate. A GRL Device may store a TransmitterLocation Database 521 in a Local Profile 411 and/or stored in a DataStorage 108. Transmitter Location Database 521 will include precisetransmission coordinates that may be used in logic performingtrilateration calculations. Results of completed location calculationsmay be stored in a location in a Log file 108A.

In the event that a GRL Device 501 is unable to calculate location databased upon transmissions from Cell Towers 503 and 504, the GRL Devicemay supplement its data source by requesting a location from a verynearby NFC device 506 (near field communications) or a slightly furtherBluetooth device 502. Each of these devices may respond with a currentlocation data with an authentication code as well as coordinate accuracyvalue. In some implementations, a GRL Device location may be calculatedrelative to a NFC device 506 and/or a Bluetooth device 502 withoutreference to a location relative to more permanent reference points.

A GRL Device that has a RF connection to either the Public internet viaWi-Fi router station 570 or FM tower 504 or a connection to another GRLDevice such as via a Wi-Fi Router Station 570 which may include one ormore of: a or Wi-Fi GRL Base, Cell tower 503, and a Bluetooth 502enabled GRL Device may request an update to receive a currentTransmitter Location Database 521. In some implementations, a database521 may also include one or more of: locations and definitions ofgeospatial domains, geo-fence data, user data, encryption data, profiledata or other data relevant to various deployments of the GRL Device501.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a server 509 in logicalcommunication with the GRL Device 501, such as via a Wi-Fi Routerstation 570, may receive timing and location data from a Data Storage508 in a GRL Device 501. The Server 509 may also logically compare atime and location to parameters specific to the GRL Device 501 anddetermine whether the GRL Device 501 is within an authorized SpatialDomain. The server 509 may also receive sensor data and logicallydetermine whether the GRL Device has experienced environmentalconditions that within the scope of parameters designated for the GRLDevice 501.

Communications mediums and protocols may comply with industry protocolsand standards or be specific to a deployment of a GRL Device. Forexample, commercial and public use may adhere to the Internet Protocol,cellular communications protocols, open source protocols, proprietaryprotocols or other publically available medium. Military, police, orother authority may operate according to standards reserved for use bysuch organizations. User Created (submissions like people tagging mapswith KML and systems uploading KML, and services like OpenStreetMap fromlocal governments with ESRI SHP files are also within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Data aggregated and stored in databases 521-522 may include locationdata, sensor data, and data generated by GRL Devices, such as forexample, records of members of a Collective, location referencesencountered (including cellular, FM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Near Field etc.)spatial domain data, user data, transfer of ownership data and otherdata referred to in this disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, process steps that may be implementedaccording to some aspects of the present invention are listed. At step510A, a GRL Device receives power up energy necessary to operate a GRLDevice. The power up energy may be received for example via one or moreof: an energy storage device, such as a battery or a capacitor; and anenergy receiver, such as an antenna or a coil.

At step 511A, the GRL Device generates digital data indicative of ahighly accurate time calculation and convey the highly accurate timinggenerated to a CPU included in the GRL Device. The highly accurate timecalculation may be represented, for example as digital data and conveyedvia one or more data packets. It is also within the scope of theinvention to have the time calculation stored in a digital data storage.

At step 512A, the GRL Device may receive a transmission from three ormore Reference Points sources, such as, for example, a cellulartransmission tower with a set location and typically an atomic clockgrade timing device. The transmission received from the Reference Pointswill include data with a description of a highly accurate timecalculation generated at the cellular tower, or other Reference Pointsource. The data with a description of a highly accurate timecalculation generated at the cellular tower, or other Reference Pointsource will made available to one or both of the CPU or other executablelogic device, and a memory storage.

At step 513A, the GRL Device, the CPU or other logic device may executelogic commands to calculate a location of the GRL Device based upon thetime calculation made by the GRL Device and the three or more timecalculations received from reference location sources. The location maybe calculated according to triangulation methodologies. Exemplarytriangulation is essentially based upon referencing a speed of radiosignals to determine a distance and location from a known reference. Anunknown point is calculated by identifying a distance to three to fourknown points. The known points can be where the antennas for a referencelocation are positioned. The first known point identifies the distanceto the GRL Device. The second known point then narrows down the locationto two points. The third known point is then used to identify an exactlocation of the GRL Device. Basically the concept includes determiningan exact location of the GRL Device via an intersection of three lines.

At step 514A, one or more sensors associated with or incorporated intothe GRL Device will generate sensor data according to the design of eachparticular sensor and convey the sensor data to a digital memory. Insome embodiments, the sensor data will be associated with a timegenerated by the atomic clock and a location calculated by the CPU.Sensor data may include, by way of non-limiting example, a localtemperature, a local atmospheric temperature, ambient environmentmoisture content, motion, ambient atmospheric components, pressure, orother measurable quantity.

At step 515A, the GRL Device may poll for nearby GRL Devices. Pollingmay include, for example, one or more of: Near Field Communications,Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or other wireless standard. Polling may include atransmission requesting identification of GRL Devices within theproximate area. In some embodiments, a poll will include one or more of:an identification of a GRL Device requesting the information; anauthorization to request the pooled information and a Collective towhich the GRL Device polling the information is included.

At step 516A, the GRL Device will receive data from one or both ofnearby GRL Devices and nearby reference devices. The data may include,for example, one or more of: a UUID of a device transmitting.

At step 517A, the GRL Device receiving the data from other nearby GRLDevices may store data according to a GRL Device profile with which theGRL Device is programmed. For example, data stored by a GRL Device mayinclude one or more of a location of the GRL Device, data received fromnearby GRL Devices, sensor data, reference station data, or relateddata.

At step 518A, the GRL Device transmits data related to one or more of:the GRL Device location, nearby GRL Devices, sensor data, and ReferencePoint data. The data may be transmitted, for example to one or more of:other GRL Device, a base station, a repeater and a Data Aggregatorprocessing center.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, process steps that may be implementedaccording to some additional aspects of the present invention arelisted. At step 510B, a GRL Device harvests ambient energy from anenvironment proximate to the GRL Device. In various implementations,energy harvesting may include Wireless Energy Harvesting, wherein energyis received via wireless transmission, such as a conduit that does notinclude a physical contact with a battery, capacitor or power supply.Energy may be received via a Wireless Energy Receptor that includes amedium capable of acting as a receiver of one or both of: electricalenergy and electromagnetic radiation via wireless transmission. Examplesof a Wireless Energy Receptor include: an antenna, an induction coil anda wire.

Additional implementations may include energy received via inductionfrom a device fixedly attached to a source of electromagnetic energy,such as an electrical power cord. Still other implementations mayinclude conversion of kinetic energy, such as vibration or motion intoelectrical energy, such as, for example via a piezo electric device ortransducer. Still other implementations include energy harvested fromsolar emissions and/or heat differentials. Heat differentials mayinclude for example a thermoelectric device, such as a device thatharvest electromotive force and ultimately an electric current basedupon the Seebeck Effect.

In some examples, a Sensor may receive input causing a change in stateof the sensor and provide one or both of detection and measurement, or arelated processing of the event signal from the Event Source. Further, alocation of the Sensor node relative to a location of the Event Sourcemay be determined by the signal from the Event Source 121.

In some examples, the relative location is determined in terms of arelative distance or radial distance. A ‘relative distance’ or a ‘radialdistance’ is defined as a distance between two Assets that does not takeinto account a direction. For example, the relative location in terms ofa radial distance between the Sensor node and the Event Source may bedetermined by measuring a ‘straight-line’ distance between the Sensornode and the Event Source based on the signal strength that has knownproperties of strength as a function of distance. Alternatively, alocation with respect to a coordinate system (e.g., latitude andlongitude) may be known for the Sensor 109 and the Event Source suchthat the relative distance may be readily computed or otherwisepublished by the Event Source.

In some examples, both of a location of the Sensor node and a locationof the Event Source are fixed. For example, the Sensor node may beplaced or installed at a predetermined and substantially unchanginglocation. Similarly, the location of the Event Source may bepredetermined and fixed according to a particular installation, forexample. As such, the location of the Sensor node relative to the EventSource (i.e., the relative location) is also fixed. In other examples,one or both of the sensor node and the Event Source are mobile. In theseexamples, the relative location of the Sensor node and the Event Sourcemay vary with time. However, even when one or both of the Sensor nodeand the Event Source are mobile, the relative location of the EventSource and the Sensor node is always known a priori or may be readilydetermined at a point in time when the Sensor node is sensing the EventSignal from the Event Source, according to the principles describedherein.

For example, when both of the Event Source and the Sensor node aremobile, the locations of both the mobile Event Source and the mobileSensor node may be measured just prior to production of the Event Signalby the Event Source and the relative location determined from themeasured locations. In another example, the relative distance may bemeasured directly. In yet another example, the relative location may beinferred from dynamic information about the system. For example, dynamicinformation associated with planned paths of the mobile Event Source andthe mobile Sensor node may be employed to infer or deduce respectivelocations therein at a time corresponding to arrival of the EventSignal.

In another example, the Sensor node has a predetermined and fixedlocation while the Event Source is mobile. In this example, the locationof the Event Source is measured or otherwise determined to establish therelative location. In yet another example, the Sensor node is mobile andthe Event Source is fixed. In this example, only the location of themobile Sensor node just prior to the arrival of the Event Signal ismeasured or otherwise determined. In some examples, the radial distancebetween the Sensor node and Event Source is monitored dynamically and,in some examples, substantially constantly as a function of time. Hence,when the Event Source produces the Event Signal, the radial distance(i.e., the relative location) is known a priori.

In some examples, the relative location of the Sensor node and the EventSource is provided by a global position system (GPS). For example, oneor both of the Sensor node and the Event Source may be equipped with GPSreceivers to measure and determine their respective locations. In otherexamples, the location(s) are determined by another means including, butnot limited to, various surveying and trilateration methodologies,interferometry and various location-determining methods based onphotography. In yet other examples, the Sensor node may monitor astrength of a signal emanating from the Event Source. The radialdistance from the Event Source to the Sensor node may be inferred fromthe monitored signal strength, for example. The emanating signal may bea calibration signal,

Referring now to FIG. 5B, additional method steps that may beimplemented are illustrated. At 511B, harvested energy may be stored foruse by one or more of: the GRL Device, a sensor, a transmitter, areceiver, a digital storage and a highly accurate timing device.

At step 512B, the GRL Device provides power to a processor, such as aCPU sufficient to cause the CPU to execute logic commands. The logiccommand may be preprogrammed into the GRL Device or may be downloaded orotherwise provided to the CPU. The logic executed by the CPU may becausative to one or more of: electrical switches, gates, transistors,capacitors, crystals, integrated circuits, programmable logic devices,multiplexers, buffers, micro sequencers, memories, diodes, emitters,memristors, latches, CMOS, bipolar junction transistors, or otherlogical or electrical components.

At step 513B, the GRL Device provides a timing signal from a highlyaccurate timing device, such as an Atomic Clock to one or more logic orelectrical components. In some implementations the frequency error ofthe timing signal may be accurate to within 1 part in 10¹² up to within1 part in 10¹⁴ (1 part in 10 to the 14th power). Other embodiments mayinclude a timing signal accurate to at least within 1 part in 10 to the6th power.

At step 514B, one more sensors may be provided power based upon alogical signal generated or processed by the GRL Device. In variousimplementations, the sensors may be incorporated as part of the GRLDevice or may be in logical communication with the GRL Device. Thesensors may return ready state signal to one or more logic systems inthe GRL Device.

At step 515B, memory device may be powered on to a state ready toreceive digital data.

At step 516B, the GRL Device may receive location reference informationvia wireless transmission. The location reference information mayinclude one or more of: a location reference identification, a timingsignal and a geolocation for a location reference.

At step 517B, logic executed by the GRL Device may calculate a locationbased upon the timing signal provided to the logic devices and thereference information received via wireless transmission.

At step 518B, the sensors make an assessment of a state of a conditionproximate to or otherwise related to the GRL Device.

At step 519B, the GRL Device may store data related to the GRL Devicelocation and sensor information as well as a time of the locationdetermination and sensor readings.

At step 220B, the GRL Device may transmit one or both of: datadescriptive of the location of the GRL Device and the sensor data.Transmission may be made via one or more of: near field communications,Wi-Fi, ultra-low power communications, a low power transceiver or otherwireless capability.

Referring now to FIG. 5C, process steps that may be implementedaccording to some additional aspects of the present invention are listedfor forming and taking steps conducive to a GRL Device Collective. Atstep 510C, multiple GRL Devices may form a Collective. The Collectivecan track proximity of members of the Collective and also provideredundancy of sensor readings which validate sensor readings ofproximate sensors which we define herein as Shared Sensors.

At 511C, a GRL Device may transmit a Universally Unique Identifier(UUID) to other GRL Devices in proximity to the transmitting GRL Device.The transmission may be accomplished for example via one or more of:near field communications, Wi-Fi, ultra-low power communications, a lowpower transceiver or other wireless capability

At step 512C, a GRL Device may store information that was received fromother GRL Devices in proximity to the transmitting GRLs.

At step 513C, multiple GRL Devices form a Collective that is defined byGRL Devices in proximity to each other, each GRL Device having a UUIDassociated with it.

At step 514C, one or more GRL Devices determine is any of the other GRLDevices in a Collective have been added or gone missing since a previouspoll of GRL Devices in the Collective. If changes to a Collective havetaken place, a GRL Device may store data indicative of the change.

At step 515C, one or more GRL Devices may transmit data indicative of astate of a Collective to a device other than another GRL Device. Thedevice other than another GRL Device may include, by way of non-limitingexample, one or more of: a GRL base station, a GRL Repeater, a Wi-Fi, acellular network or online server.

At step 516C, one or more GRL Devices or another device or serverreceiving data descriptive of a GRL Device Collective, may store arecord of data transmitted to a device other than a GRL Device.

At step 517C, one or more GRL Devices or another device or server maystore data descriptive of a location of a GRL Device and sensormeasurements made by sensors associated with or incorporated into theGRL Device.

At step 518C, a GRL Device may transmit data related to one or more GRLDevices location and sensor measurement data. Transmission may be madevia Wi-Fi network, cellular network, blue tooth communications network,near field communications network or other wireless communicationsmedium.

Referring now to FIG. 06, the schematic diagram illustrates some of theexemplary embodiments of the GRL Devices 100 as these relate to thecommunication with various RF sources such as Cell Tower 503 fortrilateration. FIG. 06 illustrates several ways in which a GRLEA 701with a Smart Gateway App in position 611 may wish to transmit 651 someof its Stored Data from Data Storage via Smart Gateway App via aSmartphone 550 and then onto to the Internet via Cell Tower 503.

In the top illustration, a Smartphone 550 with a Smart Gateway App is inListening Mode, but it is not responding due to the structure 601blocking the signal of 651. A similar GRLEA 702 in position 612 is inposition to reach the Smartphone 550 as shown with Bluetooth 653 signal.The GRLEA 701 in position 611 is publishing a signal 654 that reachesthe GRLEA 702 in position 612. Thus, the GRLEA 701 can now know that itcan utilize the GRLEA 702 as a Smart Gateway to deliver its Stored Datavia Bluetooth 652 to Bluetooth 653 to Smartphone 550. The communicationcan continue over a Cellular Data connection to a Cell tower 503 (whichmay be one of several types of Reference Points) and then onward to theData Aggregator over the public Internet.

In the bottom illustration, there is no Smartphone 550 available.However, there is a GRLE Generic Computerized Asset 610 with a GRLEProduct Label. The GRLEA 701 is publishing a signal 654 that reaches theGRLEA 702 in position 612. Consequently, the GRLEA 701 now knows that itcan utilize the GRLEA 702 as a Smart Gateway App to deliver its StoredData via q signal 654 such as Bluetooth then relaying 655 it to theGeneric Computerized Asset 610. The communication of the Stored Datacontinues onward over a cell tower signal and then travels via WAN 580to the Data Aggregator over the public Internet. In this way any GRLEA701, 702 or any Smartphone 550 running a Smart Gateway App publishes itscapabilities to Authenticate with UUID and Location Data Hash then storeand securely forward its data on behalf of another GRLEA 701, 702.

In some embodiments, a GRL Device that may have limited RFcommunications capabilities may utilize a low power transceiver such asBluetooth to receive location data from a GRL Device equipped Asset suchas a Smartphone with a Smart Gateway App that is broadcasting its owntrilateration based location data. The limited RF GRL Device Asset canstore this information in its Log file. When a limited RF GRL DeviceAsset is in the presence of many location broadcasting GRL Devices, manypossible algorithms can be defined to decide what is the most accurateand appropriate Location Data to store in its local Log file 108A.

Location broadcasting GRL Device Assets can act as Authenticated mobilebeacons (Reference Points) with Location Data for GRL Devices that areReceive only (ones that do not include the optional Transmitter). TheGRL Device may use a low cost Optional Module 130 to interface to otherdevices to share data from Storage 108 or the Log 108A.

Certain GRL Enabled Assets such as Smartphones or other mobile devicesmay include application software that provides traditionalcommunications gateway functions for limited radio frequency enabledAssets. For example, a limited capability RF enabled Asset may respondto a request generated by a Smartphone application to publish its Log108A The communication may be accomplished by a variety of modalities asmentioned in this application. Once GRL Device Assets have established aconnection with an appropriate authorization as determined by thesettings of a Local Profile 411 in one or more Assets, the SmartphoneGRL Device Asset may relay Log 108A and other Data Storage 108 to a DataAggregator 461.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the schematic diagram illustrates some of theexemplary embodiments of the GRL Devices regarding the ability to findAssets that are GRL enabled aka (GRLEAs). As illustrated FIG. 7 embodiesseveral easily recognized configurations with large variances of keycomponents such as size of CPU, size of battery, radio power output andfrequency. This is intended to illustrate the broad set of possible usesof the GRL Device as a Self-Locating technology.

This example illustrates a GRLE Suitcase 701 with a Long Range Antenna710 installed and the Zoom view 700 shows the GRL Device 100 with theLong Range Antenna 710 attached that provides the long distancecommunication with lower frequency communications.

The process starts with an Owner 707 using their Smartphone 550 usingthe Smart Gateway App in Registration Mode and communicating with theGRL Device 100 in the GRLE Suitcase 701 via Bluetooth 711 Once the Owner707 has configured for Bluetooth paring 512 the GRLE Suitcase 701 andprovided its “Home” Spatial Domain and ownership profile, the data issent 712 to the Data Aggregator 461 running a Find It Server App 777 onthe Data Processor Server and the Registration Data of Owner 707 info isstored in the Data Aggregator Database 770 within the internet cloud780.

At some point in the future the Owner 707 reports on their Smartphone550 via Smart Gateway App transmission 721 that the GRL Enabled Suitcase701 is missing. The Find It Server 777 can broadcast over networks via762, 763 and 764 to signal any person who or system that is running aSmart Gateway App conveniently called Crowd Find It 750 via a cellsignal broadcast 513 or via a low-frequency signal 514. Once theSuitcase 701 is reached with the appropriate command sequence torespond, it will send a message back to the conveniently named CrowdFind It Server 777 with its current and historical location data. Theconveniently named “Crowd Find It” Server 777 then notifies the Owner707 via a message 713 to the Owner's Smartphone 550.

The person whose Smartphone's Smart Gateway App “Crowd Find It” 750 thatreceived the signal from the Database 770 with the UUID of the MissingGRLE Suitcase 701 recognizes it when it is within range and can poll it751 finding the match. The Long Range Antenna 710 of the GRLE Suitcase701 enables the ability to find GRLE Suitcases 701 that may be outsidethe range of a particular Reference Point such as a cell phone tower503. In this case the GLR Enabled Suitcase could use its Long RangeAntenna to reach via 514 a tall FM Broadcast tower 504 to then reach theCrowd Find It server 777 via 764.

By way of example the FIG. 08 in the invention now illustrates apreprinted Label Reel 809 containing a set of GRL Devices 100 in theprocess of being Registered into ready to operate as GRL Enabled Labelssuch as 804. The GRLE Labels 802 are separated by tear strips at theseam 803 between adjacent preprinted labels on the Label Reel 809. Asthey are peeled off the Label Reel 809 in a home environment that is aregistered Spatial Domain 1640 such as a home office or small finalassembly facility, a Smartphone 550 transmits the Smart Gateway Appappropriate and Authenticated programming commands over NFC 800 toprovide unique registration data to the individual GRL Device 100 on theLabel 804. The programmed GRLE Label is peeled off at the removableadhesive back 805 before being Affixed 806 to a box 810 prepared forshipment.

The invention now illustrates on the bottom half of the FIG. 08. A ChipReel 829 containing a set of GRL Devices 100 along a substrate material822 in the process of being incorporated into Motherboards 824, 825. TheGRL Devices 100 move into the range of a Programming Robot 821 whichtransmits the Smart Gateway App appropriate and Authenticatedprogramming commands over NFC 820 to provide unique data to theindividual GRL Device 100 passing through its conveyor. The next stepfeatures a picking and placement Robot 823 which moves the individualGRL Device 100 to a Motherboard 824 which now includes GRL Devicecapability. The finished GRLE Motherboard 825 is packaged into afinished box 830 as production is completed.

By way of example FIG. 9 shows a novel method of providing transport ofdata from one GRL Device to an Internet Server or any other computingresource via a DCN where the DCN is not in range, and the two GRLEnabled Assets 550, 610 each have Local Profile Data Value Settings thatrequire the distance to another GRL Device to be within the sum of theRadius of their known position to respond to published request toinitiate communications. In this example, the Smart Gateway App runningon both 550 and 610 described herein are illustrated an overhead chartshowing 10 meter gridlines 921, 922, a GRL Device 100 within an AffixedLabel 806 located in position 931 on the chart inside a GenericComputerized Asset 610 while in Listening Mode detected via Bluetooth512 a GRL Device 100 in a Smartphone 550 at position 933. As the User ofthe Smartphone 550 walks 932 toward the GRLEA 0100 to position 933, thesum of the radii of the two GRL Devices 934 are shown to overlapillustrating that the Smart Gateway App 911 could now be authorized toInterrupt the User and since the Local Profile of the GRL Device 100 inthe Smartphone 550 has a Local Profile Data Value Setting that requiresUser permission to allow itself to be used as a GRL Device SmartGateway. Once the User touches Yes or No 913 the Communications Sessionbetween the GRL Devices can initiate an Authenticated session.

As another example, to further illustrate the sum of the radius concept,a short range 5 Meter radius setting of the Smartphone's 550 GRL Device100 is in position 941 and as the User NNNN walks 942 from position 943,it encounters and overlaps the GRLEA 0100 at position 945 with a longerrange 15 Meter radius setting which is based on indoor Self-Locationcoordinates not RSS values. The range values as discussed herein arearbitrary and only for illustration purposes. The actual values for RSScan cause the range of Data Values to vary widely based on RF used andthe power radiated by the transmitter and the sensitivity of thereceiver.

The calculations are relatively simple to implement this functionalityusing well-known open source geospatial data such as GDAL/OGR. The GRLDevice 100 with its precise Self Locating capability calculates its ownposition in GPS coordinates, and it is in Listening Mode which enablescontacting the other GRLEA 0100 inside the Generic Computerized Asset610 which publishes its position on the grid as 945.

As another example, to further illustrate the sum of the radius concept,a short range 5 Meter setting of Smartphones 550 GRL Device 100 is inposition 941 and as the User walks 942 from position 941 to 943, itencounters and overlaps the GRL Device at position 945 with a longerrange 15 Meter setting. The range values as discussed herein arearbitrary and are for illustration purposes only. The actual values forthe range Data Values can vary widely based on RF used and the powerradiated by the transmitter and the sensitivity of the receiver.

The calculations are relatively simple to implement this functionalityusing well-known open source geospatial such as GDAL/OGR. The GRL Device100 with its precise Self Locating NNNN capability calculates its ownposition in GPS coordinates and it is in Listening Mode NNN to the otherGRL Device 100 inside the Generic Computerized Asset 610 in which ispublishing its Authenticated position on the grid as 945.

By way of example the FIG. 10 in the invention now illustrates a Reel1030 containing a set of GRL Devices 100 in the process of beingincorporated into complete GRLE Labels 1000. The GRLE Labels 1000 areseparated by notched Tear Strips 1010 to make it easy for a personalUser to manually separate. As they are peeled off the reel into anassembly area, a radiofrequency based GRLEA with a Smart Gateway Apprunning a conveniently named Programming Station 1040 transmits theprogramming commands over NFC 1041 to provide Authenticated unique datato the individual GRL Device 100 passing through the AuthenticatedSpatial Domain 1090. The GRLE Labels 1000 were previously programmed ata Geofence Manufacturing Zone (not shown as it is in a different SpatialDomain located far away). The GRLE Labels can only accept Local Profileprogramming at the Spatial Domain of the Facility 1090. The next stepfeatures an inkjet printer 1050 which applies 1051 ink identificationsuch as product serial numbers, a UUID serial number and other essentialinformation that match the particular GRL Device 100. Next, the printedlabels move through the production line to reach a quality controlstation 1060 which views the printed information via an OCR camera 1061and additionally reads the associated Local Profile Data via NFC 1062 toconfirm completion and accuracy of the printed GRLE Labels 1000 thatmatch the Local Profile Data Values in the GRL Device 100 prepared atthe verified Spatial Domain location.

By way of example, this FIG. 11 illustrates a novel way to determine ifan Event has occurred based on Self Locating GRLEAs that are interactingwith Geofenced areas that have Zones of Uncertainty.

FIG. 11 illustrates views of a rectangular Geofenced Area across threetime points 1110, 1120, 1130. A single GRL Device 100 exists andSelf-Determines its location at different locations relative to theGeofenced Area across these time points 1110, 1120, and 1130. An outerperimeter 1113 exists beyond the inside area 1112 of the Geofenced Area.At the time point 1110, the GRL Device 100 has a zone of uncertainty1111 that is completely within the inside area 1112 of the GeofencedArea. At the time point 1130, the GRL Device 100 has a zone ofuncertainty 1131 completely beyond the outer perimeter 1132 of theGeofenced Area. At the time point 1120, the GRL Device 100 has a zone ofuncertainty 1121 intersecting the region between the outer perimeter1113 and the inside area 1112 of the Geofenced Area. This represents asituation where it isn't possible to determine whether the GRL Device100 is inside or outside the Geofenced Area. Entering the situationwithin the time point 1120 from the status of either time point 1110 ortime point 1130 represents the generation of an Event indicating thecrossing of the border of the Geofenced Area. Zones may be defined intwo or three dimensions. In some embodiments, a zone may be defined fora predetermined period of time, essentially adding a fourth dimension.The Zone of Uncertainty may be a Data Value that can be combined with aQuality Seal to allow for transactions to Events to occur when there isuncertainty of location by either the GRL Device or the organizationthat is maintaining the Spatial Domain that created the Geofence.

By way of example in FIG. 12 GRL Device 100 has a Sensor that receivesinput that logic determines to be an Event from an outside source. Anexample is a thermal energy sensor receiving input indicative of anexternal temperature exceeding a value entered into a local profile.Logic determines that the sensor input constitutes an event. The GRLTransmitter transmits over Bluetooth a set of data related to its Modein this scenario node 1201 it publishes a minimum of sets (i.e. 4 sets)of information of public UUID hashed UUID public and hashed LocalSelf-Determined coordinate data based on its internal trilateration withthe miniature atomic clock. Based on the modes as determined by theLocal Profile, the GRL Devices will publish the some informationincluding Authenticated Location Data and unique identifiers (UUIDs) inany other appropriate data in this way the published information becamecan be Authenticated with both the public UUID as well as its locationin both public disclosure and hashed where it can be Authenticated.

By way of example as shown in FIG. 13 in some implementations, GRLEAsthat are candidates to join a Collective may be both a Listen Mode thatenables hearing broadcasts of other GRLEAs and some may be in a LimitedShare Broadcast Mode where they provide only identifier information suchas a UUID and a Status code from their Local Profile. GRLEAs can joinwith each other into a Collective that can then execute useful functionsand processes in a concerted fashion relaying trustworthy data to eachother. When the GRLEAs detect others, they will recognize using theirLocal Profile whether they can participate and join into a GRLEACollective. Criteria for joining a Collective is based on these GRLEAsbeing able to determine that they are within a Geofence region calledHospital Room 1390 and can be Authenticated with an appropriate QualitySeal. In this example, a Nurse 1305 enters Room 1390 and checks thepatient's Bracelet 1306 that includes a GRLE label 1326. The Nurse 1305is carrying a GRLE Medicine Vial 1303 that has a GRL Device label 1323that includes a quantity sensor and then transfers the Meds into asyringe 1304 that has a GRL Device label 1324 that detects movement ofthe plunger. The Nurse 1305 can insert the Meds into the IV Valve 1309.The Internet connected IV Infusion Monitor 1301 has a GRLE Label 1321that monitors the settings and reports. The Fluid bag 1302 also includesa GRLE Label 1322 that provides content data to the Collective. The dataof the Event is transmitted via the IV Infusion Monitor 1301 to aReference Point tower and then via Bluetooth 512 on to a DataAggregators such as the Hospital data center via an in range Cell tower503 using an encrypted data format.

FIG. 13 illustrates the novel method by which GRLEAs may automaticallyform a Collective to complete a useful task that is fully automated,convenient and secure while providing additional information to improvethe logistical efficiency and lower risks of errors in care. 1) GRLEAdevices have Local Profiles with qualification criteria to join theCollective 2) The GRLEA devices are in Listen Mode and Limited BroadcastMode 3) the GRLEA have determined from Self Location that they are inthe same Geofence that had been established in the Aggregator Databaseadministered by the Hospital Data Center.

By way of example this FIG. 14 illustrates a process by which anautomatic method of creating a Geofence from a certain point based onthe historical movement points called Popcorn Dots 1400 on a grid andreporting of a location sensing device such as a GRL. In this example ata known indoor position 1401 indicated by a triangle. A GRL Device 1401Self Determined its location and generates a radius 1402 that the Userdefined in the GRL Device 1401 Local Profile Data Values. The User and aconveniently name Perimeter Finding Algorithm creates a rectangle withinthe inscribe circle as to where the calculations of frequency of PopcornDots are tracked and illustrated as Popcorn Dots 1403. The PerimeterFinding Algorithm then inscribe with the thick black line 1410 whereinalgorithm determines the Data Value based on the actual pattern ofmovement of Popcorn Dots. In a next step of the algorithm anotherprocess creates a perimeter with no concave in areas 1421, 1424 tocreate a Geofence which Data Values are defined by the large rectangularboxes 1420 has an additional feature a rectangular box can be placed in1425 to allow four concave Data Values of for particular size indicatedby the lines 1416 and 1427. The dashed lines of 1450 represent theperimeter of the interior structure (a home) where the data points werecaptured.

In this way an individual can easily and automatically define areaswhere they normally move while at home. Once the Geofence perimeter isdefined, they can then be automatically be notified when any GRLEA thatis configured to remain within the Spatial Domain conveniently calledHome. If that Geofence is penetrated, the creator of the Home SpatialDomain will be alerted via the GRL Device transmitter.

The Geofence Perimeter 1421 defined by the Algorithm created points 1420can evolve over time and can be joined with other Geofence perimeters.

The ability for a GRL Device to capture Authenticated Self LocationCoordinates indoors and outside combined with Authenticated UUID DataPolling of any GRL Enabled Asset creates the ability for a single GRLEAor a Collective of GRLEAs to deliver and share set of AuthenticatedLocation Popcorn Dots to a Aggregated Database in Data Aggregator 461.This database can then run a program that develops a set of 2D and 3Dpolygons that represent the areas of movement of GRLEAs along with thetime and sensor data. The Aggregator Database that can store the LocalProfile Data 108 from GRL Devices can be processed with well-knowntechniques such as SQL Queries running on a Data Processor 462 toprovide Derived Data for a myriad of uses.

For example: a purse that has been GRLE can actively update its locationinformation over time to learn the Spatial Domains where it has been andthe perimeters of the Geofences when it leaved a defined Spatial Domain.As the GRLE Purse moves from home to work to school to stores, it willbuild a profile of known locations. This information can be shared toits Collective, for example a Smartphone running the Smart Gateway Appwith the conveniently named Personal Goods Collective App

Another example: a Police Officer who has the a Smartphone with a SmartGateway App conveniently named “Authorized Pinger” can be in a Modewhere it looks for GRLE Evidence Containers to be alerted automaticallyif the Evidence Container leaves the known set of paths from the PoliceSubstation and the Route to the Central Evidence warehouse and to theother Affiliated Spatial Domains such as the Forensic Lab. The Evidencemanager can use his movements over a period of time that could beminutes to days to build a set of Popcorn Dots.

Finally the fact that GRLEAs can be the source of Derived Data withALDOSA, nearly every person and organization and machine can now counton and comfortably interact with and rely on the security and privacy ofthe information about the Asset(s) that have been GRL Enabled.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a bock diagram illustrates a process by whichmultiple spatial domains 1501-1507 may be combined to form a morecomplex domain. As illustrated, each respective domain 1501-1507comprises a shape of a relatively complex polygon. The combined shapes1501-1507 form a more complex polygon 1508.

Accordingly, a Data Aggregator may create or receive a Spatial Domainthat is represented by a complex polygon. The Spatial Domain may be usedby one or more of: a Smart Gateway App; a Server App and a GRL DeviceApp. A GRL Device App may be generated using one or more Open Sourceprograms listed elsewhere in this disclosure. A generated GRL Device Appmay be used to create a Spatial Domain that may be viewed or edited by aprocessor, such as those processors included in a GRL Device SmartGateway App, a Smartphone, a Data Processor that is hosting a web App orother device capable of executing code incorporating Open Source andother custom programs.

An Assembled Spatial Domain may be named and subsequently referenced byauthorized devices. In some implementations, an Assembled Spatial Domainmay include combinations of Spatial Domains created by GRL Devices thatshare one or more Spatial Domains. For example, GRL Devices in a sameCollective may share defined spatial domains. In another example, GRLDevices that have an appropriate Quality Seal or which originate from aData Aggregator may provide Spatial Domains in multiple formats frommultiple source. One example includes Spatial Domains based uponinformation contained in Open Source SHP files for roads and highwaysaround the world.

In another aspect, Spatial Domains may be defined that include, or linkto, additional data such normally called Layers in the geospatialindustry. In some embodiment the Popcorn Dots (see FIG. 14) representlocations that the GRL Device has included in an updated Local ProfileData Values. The updates may include, for example, intended destinationpoints and routes in a travel plan while an Asset associated with theGRL Device are under Common Ownership. Accordingly, in someimplementations, a GRL Device can be Self Aware and a shipment of anAsset associated with Self Aware GRL Device can be ascertained to beconsistently within its complex Spatial Domain. A GRL Device may alsoautomatically Publish that it is been within or outside of a perimeterof its Assembled Spatial Domain.

By way of example the FIG. 16 illustrates the process by which amanufactured GRL Device 100 may get through several stages ofprogramming based on its Self-Awareness of location and configurationfor various types of programming. A GRL Device 100 that has beenmanufactured is delivered 1608 to a Spatial Domain 1610 for initialprogramming. Once it receives the some Local Profile Data Valuesincluding Reference Points Database which includes Spatial Domains 1620and 1630 as valid. The DGRL Device will accept this data since it canSelf-Locate and Authenticate that it located at 1612, the validprogramming area 1610.

The GRL Device 100 is moved 1618 to a second programming location 1620where is can accept additional Local Profile data 1622. The GRL Device100 is now sent 1628 to the Distribution Point 1630 where the GRL Device100 may change ownership to a variety of Users who have the ability toset their own profiles 1632. In the case of a GRL Device 100 sent indirection 1658 to an Owner of a GRL Device 1662, that user may configurethe GRL Device 1600 to alert 1664 when it determines it is near 1660 aGeofence area 1665 such as a border control location that will query itfor normally private data that can be published. When that device iswithin the Spatial Domains 1665 Geofence area the GRL Device at position1666 will publish private data to the Authenticated authority for thatis located within the perimeter of Spatial Domain 1665. In this way anyOwner of a GRL Device 100 will be able to configure its ability to alertthe Owner if it is near a position where private data may be accessed.

The GRL Device 100 may also be sent in direction 1648 by means ofshipping to reach a home location's Spatial Domain 1650. When the GRLDevice 100 is within the home Spatial Domain 1650 of the Owner, itsStatus can be reprogrammed 1654 to engage new privacy settings based onthe preferences of the home owner.

The GRL Device 100 may also be sent in direction 1638 as part of a largeshipment 1642 to a retail location's Spatial Domain 1640. When the GRLDevice 100 has arrived there and its delivery is confirmed, itsOwnership Status can be reprogrammed 1644 to that of unsold merchandiseavailable for purchase.

FIG. 17 illustrates on the right inside a set of three shelvescontaining boxes with GRL Devices 100 that also feature very accurateair pressure sensors inside. Air pressure at any one altitude changesthroughout the day as temperature and weather variations leads tobarometric changes.

The chart 1700 on the left illustrates air pressure corresponding torelative vertical location as the vertical axis while the passage oftime is indicated by the horizontal axis with three time elements of8:00 AM 8:10 AM and 8:20 AM. At a particular time, an individual reading1705 from one sensor is associated 1701 with a particular product 1761.A nearby reading 1706 from another sensor is associated 1702 with anadjacent product 1762 at the same height occupying the same row of aparticular store shelf 1750. Other individual readings which clusterclosely together with these correspond 1703, 1704 to additional productson the same row of the store shelf at the same time.

As time passes, readings are taken at regular intervals by a SmartGateway App conveniently names Collective Air Pressure Readings whichtake advantage of the sensitive sensors that can detect the adjustmentof the collected data in the light of variations in air pressure overtime at a given altitude. The clusters of close together readings takenby GRL Device sensors working in a Collective such as products on thesame row of a store shelf 1750 will drift 1732 as time passes. The dataare analyzed to identify which groups 1731, 1733 correspond tostationary products at the same altitude whose GRL Device sensors detecttransient changes in air pressure with time changes 1732, 1734. Theclusters 1716, 1736 of data points 1715, 1735 will have the same numberof data points as there are associated products on the corresponding1717 bottom row, 1737 top row of the store shelf 1750. Tracking theseassociations for GRL Devices 1705, 1706 over time with 1701, 1702, 1703allows for the identification of the location of GRL Device 100 1761&1762 as being on the bottom shelf. This enables products over time tolearn their shelf height position comparing the data from the Collectiveof GRL Device Sensors as well as their altitude on varying rows of astore shelf 1750.

The algorithm of an Air Pressure Correlator App is illustrated by theboxed readings of 1734 and 1716 showing the determination of GRL Deviceas being either on the top or bottom shelf. This apparatus and methodcould be applied across many GRL Devices equipped to join Collectivesand share air pressure data indoors and outside.

The end result is by enabling GRL Devices to share readings and processresults from nearby devices at the same time of the day, verticaldimensions can be ascertained. This apparatus and method will allow foraccurate altitude determination by any device that can listen compareaccurate air pressure data in a building or campus wide area.

FIG. 18 illustrates GRL Device with multi-function overlays, MFO's. Thebase GRL Device is illustrated in 1800 in this example the GRL Devicehas multiple electrical and other physical contact points and fixedlocations, one is the signal timer for the Atomic Clock 1809 and threeof the data connectors for receiving Authenticated Location Data as wellas other Local Profile information 1803. The GRL Device has sensor portsat 1805. Connectors for additional power are at 1807. Internalconnectors for Power Pads 1807 in the example of adding a multi-functionoverlay 1860 which is an induction coil pound enables a GRL Device to becharged or powered through a magnetic field and combined into 1861.

A set of multi-function add-ons are illustrated as 1810, 1820, 1830, and1840. The units are shown in a vertical alignment so under placed on topof each other is illustrated and 1850.

A power pad re-aligner is shown in 1810 to allow a Computer 1820 to beplaced on top and then have a Key Pad and Display being placed to theleft with a Long Range Antenna 1840 being placed over the Power Pads1807.

In this way a GRL Device 100 can be enhanced to support a wide varietyof useful applications that require additional interfaces, additionalpower, and additional communication with amplifiers and antennas or UIoptions for Authenticated Location information.

FIG. 19 illustrates a method by which wireless GRL Devices 1901-1903communicate with atomic clock based timing for efficient utilization ofavailable bandwidth and to minimize collisions between a large number oftransmitters and receivers.

Without organized timing, polling of large numbers of devices willresult in chaotic transmissions and receiving of data. According to someaspects of the present disclosure, highly accurate timing devices, suchas a miniature atomic clock, allow for very precise timing oftransmissions of data and receipt of data from the GRL Devices1901-1903.

A server 1904 may generate communication that are stored as GRL Profiles1901A-1903A in logical communication with, or as part of the GRL Devices1901-1903. The GRL Profiles 1901A-1903A may be transmitted to the GRLDevices 1901-1903 via wireless communicators 1905. The GRL Device LocalProfiles 1901A-1903A may also be updated and sent to the GRL Devices1901-1903 via wireless communicators 1905. The wireless communicator1905 may receive data via a communications network 1906.

Included in the GRL Device Local Profiles is a schedule of when a deviceshould wake up and transmit calculated location data and UUIDidentification data. In some embodiments, other data, such as sensordata and Collective Shared Sensor data may also be transmitted.

In a similar manner, a GRL Profile may include a schedule for the GRLDevice to receive transmissions. According to the present disclosure,the atomic clock allows for very precise timing accurate to withinbillionths of a second. The schedules for transmitting and receivingtherefore may accommodate hundreds of thousands of devices in closeproximity to transmit and receive while minimizing collision oftransmitting and receiving timeframes. The server may track multipleprofiles and generate a unique schedule of synchronized transmission andreceiving times.

A uniquely coded timing interval that is based on the Local Profile DataValues in the GRL Devices will enable many similar Assets in closeproximity such as on a shelf or in a warehouse, people in a crowd, ashipping container or other dense collection of Assets, to transmit dataand eliminate data collisions while operating within extreme low powerrequirements. An example might be sequential power up and transmissionin a round robin pattern other patterns are also within the scope of theinvention.

FIG. 20 illustrates a process for positioning GRL Devices 100 within asheet of material 2000 used in packaging in advance of sectioning outindividual box units. A first layer 2001 of the material is constructed.The GRL Device 100 is added amid additional filler 2010 material thatforms the core of the multilayer packaging material. Above this, aseparate layer 2003 of the material is added. This perspectiverepresents a close up side view of the bulk multilayer material. In across-sectional view of the bulk multilayer packaging material such ascardboard, two outer layers 2001, 2003 shield the inner GRL Device 100and adjacent filler 2010.

The bulk material 2000 contains GRL Devices 100 at regularlyinterspersed intervals suitable for the dimensions of the foldable boxpatterns to be cut out of the bulk material 2000 by a die cutter machine2050 in a manner that includes two GRL Devices 100 per box pattern 2030.After a box pattern 2030 is sectioned out of the bulk multilayermaterial by a die cutter machine 2050, the resulting opposite edges2010, 2020 each contain a GRL Device 100. This flat shape 2031 can thenbe folded into a completed box 2032 in three dimensions. The result isshipping boxes can have GRL Devices embedded in the material providingvalue to product manufacturers and their supply chain.

By way of example the FIG. 21 in the invention now illustrates a methodfor verifying the correct spatial placement of GRL Devices 100 atvarious locations and easily determining if there are obviously missingGRL Devices highlighted by the dashed ring 2126 by viewing on afloorplan and surrounding outdoor areas. The data contained within afloorplan 2101 on a Survey 2150 includes the positions of doors 2105,windows 2106, and a garage door 2107. This same region 2102 alsocontains the reported locations of several GRL Devices 100 within aconfidence range (a Zone of Uncertainty) of possible positions 2112based on the precision of Location Data. These exist within a definedarea 2111 corresponding to a building's floorplan 2101.

When the data from the floorplan 2101 and the reported locations 2112 ofseveral GRL Devices 100 are combined as two layers in any one of manygeospatial applications, a new perspective 2103 results. This enablesthe easy and rapid correct identification of GRL Devices placed on aspecific doors for example 2122, 2128, and 2130. In another instance, aGRL Device placed on an opened garage door is correctly located at 2124.In another instance, a GRL Device placed on a window is correctlylocated at 2122. This combined perspective 2103 also enables the easyidentification of a missing GRL Device at the location of a door 2126.

Referring now to FIG. 22, in some implementations a Smart Gateway Appmay be based upon a Smartphone device 2201. A Smartphone device 2201will typically include apparatus and logic to communicate via a cellularnetwork. Communication may be based upon an accepted industry protocol.The Smartphone device may be incorporated into a handheld device (asillustrated) or incorporated into a smaller package footprint, such as,for example, wrist borne device, a ring or other footprint. In someembodiments a footprint for a Smartphone may be incorporated into alarger apparatus, such a motor vehicle or a piece of industrialequipment.

According to the teachings of the present disclosure, a timing device2202 may be incorporated into and/or attached to a Smartphone device andbe based upon a miniature atomic clock 2203, such as a clock disclosedby Professor Briggs in U.S. Pat. No. 8,217,724. The Smartphone may thengenerate authenticated location data for the Smartphone device 2201. TheSmartphone device 2201 may also act as a Smart Gateway for associatedGRL Devices (not illustrated in FIG. 22) proximate to the Smartphonedevice 2201.

FIG. 23 illustrates several apparatus designs to link a GRL Device topersonal identification assets. In one instance, a government-issued IDsuch as a passport 2301 is physically combined with a sleeve orprotective cover 2341 that features an embedded GRL Device 100 so as tolink the passport to the capabilities of the GRL Device 100 and itsassociated UUID. In another instance, a personal identification card ordebit/credit card 2311 is physically combined with a sleeve orprotective cover 2342 that features an embedded GRL Device 100 so as tolink the card to the capabilities of the GRL Device and its associatedUUID. In another instance, a government-issued ID such as a passport2301 is attached 2370 to a GRL Device 100 to produce 2371 a combinedform of identification 2351 that includes the capabilities of the GRLDevice and its associated UUID within the passport by means of apaperclip or other means of physical linkage. This allows pairing of thedevice UUID with identity documents for physical convenience whilecreating the ability to have the authenticated location data indoors andoutdoors be tracked by the issuing government.

In another instance, a GRL Device 100 is physically affixed 2380 by anadhesive or other means to a government-issued ID such as a passport2302 to produce 2381 a combined form of identification 2361 thatincludes the capabilities of the GRL Device and its associated UUID. Inanother instance, a GRL Device 100 is physically affixed 2390 by anadhesive or other means to a personal identification card ordebit/credit card 2312 to produce 2391 a combined form of identification2362 that includes the capabilities of the GRL Device and its associatedUUID in a manner that is linked to the card. In each of the above casesin FIG. 23 a government official may require the GRL Device 100 to forma Collective with a Smart Gateway App conveniently called Track Me forwhereby visitors to foreign countries may be required to frequentlyreport their position as determined by the Authenticated Location Dataand Authenticated Hashed UUID of the GRL Device 100 using the VisitorsSmartphone data service.

FIG. 24 illustrates the ability to do a visual query of a GRLEA. In thisexample any Smartphone 550 running a Smart Gateway App convenientlynamed Where Have You Been at 2421 displays the GRLEA Acme Product 701the user is seeking to locate. A reference image 2410 with a wide fieldof view displays the desired product 701 which has its own GRL Device100. The Smartphone 550 knows its own location, where its camera ispointed and even the whereabouts of the identified GRLEA Acme Product2411. Using range and bearing information, the Smartphone 550 uses itsSmart Gateway App Where Have You Been 2421 to provide directions to theGRLEA Acme Product 701. The view of the application shown on the lowerright 2422 integrates the information about the GRLEA Acme Productitself in the upper left area 2411 as well as the Published LocalProfile Data fields in the lower left 2475. This view of the applicationshown on the lower right also includes information about the Data Valuesof the particular product as well as its movement across streets on thelower right 2451, and buildings 2452 identifying the past locationsthrough the present location of the particular product.

By way of example the FIG. 25 illustrates a set of novel apparatusesthat enable the precise tracking and delivery of Pourable Materials toknown locations. In this example a Manufacturing Plant 2500 is creatingPourable Materials such as, in this case, Fertilizer 2501 that is beingdeposited into a Tractor Trailer 2505. As it enters the Tractor Trailer2505 from the Manufacturer's Funnel Measuring Device 2509, an included aGRL Device 100 broadcasts 513 the quantity of Materials 2501 deliveredto the Trailer 2505 to inform 513 a Data Aggregator 461 and DataProcessor 462. The Pourable Materials are transported to a PackagingWarehouse 2510 where the Trailer's Funnel Measuring Device 2519 at thetractor trailer's bottom dump 2529 broadcasts 513 the quantity ofmaterial delivered 2511 to the Packing Warehouse 2510 to a DataAggregator 461 and Data Processor 462. The Packing Warehouse Funnel 2539also measures and broadcasts 513 the quantity of material delivered 2511to the Packing Warehouse 2510 to a Data Aggregator 461 and DataProcessor 462. The Data Aggregator 461 and the Data Processor 462 canthen confirm and correlate the three LPM (Liquid or Pourable Materials)transfer points. The Packing Warehouse 2510 then puts GRL Devices 2514onto each Sealed Bag 2513 which contains a GRL Device 100 on its seam.The Warehouse Manager 2521 transfers a Pallet 2515 of Sealed Bags to theFarmer 2520 who both loads 2521 onto his Truck 2530 and broadcasts 513via the Farmer's Smartphone 550 the quantity of material delivered 2511to the Packing Warehouse 2510 to a Data Aggregator 461 and DataProcessor 462. The Sealed Bags 2515 are stored in the Barn 2540. ASealed Bag is dispensed 2541 onto the Spreader Funnel Measuring Device2549 which includes a GRL Device 100. Both the Sealed Bag 2541 and theSpreader Funnel Measuring Device 2549 broadcast via Bluetooth 512 theEvents to the Farmer's 2520 Smartphone 550 that is equipped with a GRLDevice Smart Gateway App. As the Farm Tractor 2540 drives through thefields, the Spreader Funnel Measuring Device 2549 stores and transmitsthe precise location of distribution of the discrete quantities ofPourable Material. When the Farmer enters a building 2550 and theFarmer's 2520 Smartphone 550 is in range of a DCN (illustrated as Wi-Fidot dash line 515 protocol to a Cable Modem Wi-Fi Box 570 connected overa WAN 580), it then broadcasts the precise location of distribution ofthe discrete quantities of Pourable Material to the Data Aggregator 461and Data Processor 462.

This example illustrates the ability to have unified and verifiableinformation as to the creation, movement, processing, delivery and usageof a wide variety of materials that was previously unavailable whereeach step includes precise and verifiable location data as to thetransfer event. This apparatus illustrating bottom dumps and Funnels2509, 2519, 2529, 2539 and 2549 can be replaced with any form of ameasurement device designed to handle physical materials of variousforms that can be poured.

By way of example FIG. 26 illustrates a set of novel apparatuses thatenable the complete, long term tracking of the components of as well asthe long term analysis and quality control of a product. FIG. 26 shows aGeneric Shipping Box 2600 that contains a Generic Computerized Assetwith all the various GRL Devices 2612, 2613, 2622, 2624 that could beAffixed and then configured into a Collective. This Fig. will illustrateseveral new and novel capabilities that arise from ability of each Unitof the Collective to communicate and publish its UUID and Location datain any of several modes of encryptions, several modes of authentication,several response modes and several timing modes for example. Variousmodalities have been described elsewhere in this patent. The followingdescription will illustrate how the Assets illustrated in this FIG. 26can serve useful functions for a very broad set of potential Productsthat comprise multiple Assets that are designed or put together to offeruseful functionality.

The process illustrated shows the final assembly of subset of componentswithin a common Generic Computerized Asset 610. A User Manual 2661 isprinted and a GRL Device as a Customer Support Registration Label 2662is Affixed. This is placed in the Accessories Box 2650 along with theGeneric Remote Control Asset 2670 that is paired with the GenericComputerized Asset 610. The illustration shows the Power Cord Cavity2651 where the mass produced GRLE Power Cord 1950 had been removed to beplugged into the Generic Computerized Asset 610 for each GRLEA to beAssimilated into a Pair Collective. This enables the GenericComputerized Asset 610 to easily communicate with any GRL Device that isrunning a Smart Gateway App.

A printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturer produced the Motherboard 2640and it included a GRL Device 2642 mounted on the Motherboard 2640 thatwas Assimilated into a Pair Collective when a GRLEA daughter board 2641was added. This Collective Pairing enabled new and useful automaticconfiguration of the two computers with the sharing of their previouslyunshared Local Profiles. The Generic Computerized Asset 610 internalGRLEAs are further Assimilated into a Collective with the addition ofthe GRLE Label 1000 as well as the 2662 and 2671. These are placed inthe Generic Shipping Box 2600 which includes an exterior GRLE Label 2622which obtains the Serial Number data from the interior GRLEAs (2642,2641, 1950, 2662 and 2671) when they are actively creating theCollective. Some GRL Devices in the Collective can configure their LocalProfiles to provide the appropriate Authenticated Location andUUID/Serial number and other information to government authorities fortaxing and import regulations.

The novel apparatus as described herein enables the delivery ofauthenticated information as to where an Asset (in this example aConsumer Electronics product) was opened. In addition if the User has aSmart Gateway App it could auto register the product. The entire set ofGRLEAs in this FIG. 26 comprise a Product Collective. The GenericShipping Box 2600 includes a Paired Collective of GRLE box tab 2612,2613 that locates and connects via NFC to its GRLE Intra Layer Device2611 when they are in proximity which is detected with a magnetic sensor(the flap is closed). Once that occurs, the Local Profiles are updatedand when the box is opened the 2612 alerts the 2621 which records andstores the Event in the Log. Upon powering up the Generic ComputerizedAsset 610, the 2671 could be configured to activate and poll theCollective's GRL Devices and delivers the Shared Sensor data to the DCNaccording to its Local Profile.

FIG. 27 illustrates several novel apparatus that provide usefulinformation to government authorities, militaries, police, employers andother organizations that wish to track the exact movements ofindividuals with a technology that can be easily carried on a person,last for months, communicate nearly constantly, use such low power thatit can rely on Energy Harvesters.

The FIG. 27 illustrates a scene where a Person flies into a country atan Airport 2700 and reaches Immigration Area 2701 as shown in a zoomedview in 2710 as they walk thru the entrance to Immigration Checkpoint2714, they have a choice of Immigration Officer Booths 2712 at thatpoint they are presented with a Passport Pouch (note item example ofsleeve or protective cover 2341) that is Registered 2713 at theCheckpoint 2714. The Person is instructed to maintain the Passport Pouchon or with their personal effects at all times and keep it in range oftheir Smartphone which may have a Smart Gateway App installed tocommunicate with the GRL Enabled Passport Pouch. The Person walks towardtheir destination as illustrated with Popcorn Dots 2715. The spacingbetween the dots on 2716 and 2726 shows the speed of movement based on afixed time frame of location polling in the Local Profiles for thePassport Pouch.

The Person leaves Immigration 2716 and moves to their destination 2719where they Park 2721 in the Lot 2728 and go inside at 2728 where theReception Area 2724 Polls 2713 the Passport Pouch. The Person stays fora while in a meeting at 2725 as illustrated as a single large lumpyPopcorn Dot 2725 that is based on the variances in measurement ofprecise location. The Person heads back to the airport 2726 and arrivesat Departures 2731 where he presents his Passport Pouch and Passport tothe Immigration Officer at Checkpoint 2727 where the historical travelinformation stored in the Passport Pouch is polled by the Smart GatewayApp conveniently named Authorized Pinger App for delivery to DCN andData Aggregator Database.

This apparatus and various form factors of GRLEA for Identification andTracking can be used for many useful indoor and outside environmentswith home, commercial, industrial, military and governmentalapplications to name a few.

FIG. 28 illustrates a novel process by which a user carrying aSmartphone 550 with a Smart Gateway App running the conveniently namedShow Me Where You Are 2810 can press a button 2811 to request a set ofGRLEA Loaves of bread 2821, 2831 that include Multi-Function Overlay useto respond to a particular query. In this case, the Smartphone 550generates flashing signals going out to the shelf of the top two shelvesbread that have a MFOs (for example 1830, 1840 etc.) on top which canflash or display a human readable image. Two respondents 2821, 2831 say“we are going out of date in the next few days” by means of signals2822, 2832 and thus the buyer can get a discount for example on loavesof bread 2821, 2831. In this way any discount shopper can query GRLEAproducts for potential special offers.

This same innovative process could help find inventory items 2850 with awide variety of criteria that may not provide a convenient userinterface (a flashing light) but simply provide location data so the enduser could see on their screen range and bearing this assumes the 550 isa Smartphone Smart Gateway App conveniently named Make Me Flash 2810.

In the bottom half of the diagram, the bottom shelf is a destination fora shopper whose Smartphone running Smart Gateway App conveniently namedCheck My Status 2840 with a keypad 2841 indicates a need to find a box4350NNNN with serial number 1234 indicated. Alternately, as in 2852, theGRL Device with a screen on the product tag 2800 lights up to help ashopper verify that the particular Product Box 2850 is eligible for aspecial purchase offer.

FIG. 29 illustrates how a Paired Collective can provide essentialinformation to a Smart Gateway App and it includes an apparatus tomonitor a perishable food product. On the inner side of the lid 2901, anair pressure sensor 2911 is present. When the product is first opened,the GRL Device 100 in the lid communicates with a GRL Device in item2910 when activated by the change in air pressure. This informs the GRLDevice in item 2910 that the temperature of the perishable food productmust be monitored to prevent spoilage. This GRL Device in item 2910 canbe queried by Bluetooth or NFC interaction as line 516 via a Smartphoneto report the time since opening, the temperature history, and otherfactors to report on the freshness and suitability for consumption ofthe perishable food product inner contents. The GRL Device 100 stores alocal profile which includes the parameters for the software to makedecisions as to whether to notify a user to take action regarding theproper storage of the product or to report that the product is no longersuitable for consumption.

Glossary

“Affix” as used herein means to fixedly attach a first item to a seconditem, such as, for example, to a GRL Device may be Affixed to an Assetto be tracked.

Affixer” as used herein means an apparatus or person that undertakes theactions required to Affix a GRL Device to an Asset.

“Affixing In” as used herein means to fixedly attach a first item withinthe boundaries of a second item, such as, for example, to a GRL Devicemay be Affixed In an Asset by incorporating the GRL Device within thepackage extremities of the Asset to be tracked.

“Affixing Vehicle” as used herein means an intervening item other thancomponents of a GRL Device and an Asset that is utilized to Affix a GRLDevice to an Asset. Examples of Affixing Vehicles include, by way ofnon-limiting example: a Glue, stable, tape, nail, screw, insert, fit (asin a puzzle), sticker, rivet, fasten, chain, hang, tie, magnetic, latch,sew, buckle, shrink wrap, clasp, zip. Examples of Affixing include butare not limited to: incorporating within a package material, glue,epoxy, melt into, screw mount, bolt, rivet, bag, jar, container, box,crate, pallet, cargo container and surround with polymer.

“Affixing On” as used herein means to fixedly attach a first item on anexterior boundary of a second item, such as, for example, a GRL Devicemay be Affixed On an Asset by incorporating the GRL Device onto apackage extremity of the Asset to be tracked. Examples include but arenot limited to: glue, staple, sticker, tape over, hammer in,magnetically latch, and mount in between or underneath another Asset.

“ALDOSA” Authenticated Location Data On Serialized Asset(s) This acronymrepresents a broadly useful capability of the invention whereby Assetsthat are GRL Enabled can capture and deliver information from GRLEAsthat can be relied upon for a variety of needs of people andorganizations of all types. The ALDOSA represents a Quality Seal of theAuthenticated Data that is created by GRLEAs and may be utilized by aPerson, an Organization or a System.

“ALDOSAS” is the Authenticated Location Data On Serialized Asset(s)Sensor(s) This is the above described data with the correspondingprocessed and Sensor Data captured directly or indirectly from GRLEAsthat may be operating as a Collective.

“App” as used here in represents any software program that may run on aGRL Device, on a Smart Gateway (such as a Smartphone, Tablet, Wearableetc.) or a Server such as a (Authentication Server, Data AggregatorServer, Data Processing Server etc.)

“Asset” as used herein refers to an object, article, device, plant,organism (person, or animal) or thing that may be tracked by or Affixedto a GRL Device as described in this disclosure. (See also “FixedAssets”, “Paired Assets”, “Pourable Materials”)

“Asset Collective” as used herein is a set of grouped Assets that aredetermined to be in close proximity to each other. A Collective may havea need to interact and share information that enables the propercompletion of a logical function.

“Assimilation” as used herein represents the process by which a Masterof a Collective may accept new GRL Devices to join the named Collective.

“Assimilated” of “Assimilated Mode” as used herein represents the Modeof a GRLEA when it joins a Collective as a Slave or it operating as theMaster.

“Authenticated” as used herein shall mean using cryptographic techniquesto prove that the information from a GRL Device is true and genuine orit is truthfully relaying information from another source such as theAsset to which it may be Affixed. In some embodiments Authentication mayadditionally be based upon a device UUID and a determined location.

“Authenticated Affixing” as used herein means to Affix a GRL Device toan Asset in via an authorized process (Affixed In or Affixed On), Insome implementations, Authenticated Affixing may include a UUIDassociated with quantifiable variables associated with the Affixingprocess.

“Authenticated Location” as used herein shall mean a locationdetermination based upon a device that can determine its location with ahighly accurate clock that can calculate time delay of arrival from aknown transmission point, a Reference Point. The location determinationmay also include other algorithms such as ones that utilized ReceivedSignal Strength, Angle of Arrival etc. It may also include Data Valuescontaining coordinate points from a known Reference Point and otherauthenticated sources (a data transmission that includecryptographically verifiable location data from an identifiable sourcesuch as another GRL Device. The Location Data can be Authenticated bycombining the GRL Device's determined location with thecryptographically protected Local Data such as its private key and itsUUID and it may include its Spatial Domain where it was Registered andthen processing that combined data with a well-known Hashing techniquedelivering a hashed value that can be Authenticated by a CertificateAuthority.

“Biometric Identifiers” as used herein shall mean a biologicalmeasurement or observance with a significant degree of differentiationfrom other biological organisms.

“Broadcast Mode” as used herein represents a GRL Device that may bepublishing a message that may include its UUID and Location Data as wellas other Data Values in ways that any other GRL Device or apparatus isconfigured to detect the message.

“Care Custody and Control” as used herein refers to the keeping,guarding, care, watch, inspection, preservation, or security of anAsset, and carries with it the idea of the thing being within theimmediate personal care and control of the legal entity to whose custodythe Asset is subjected. Typical Assets that are rented where there ischange in care custody and control include but are not limited to;—Transportation: Cars, Trucks, Buses, Bicycles, Boats (yachts, kayaks,canoes, sailboats, etc.), Planes, Hot air balloons, Blimps, Trailersetc.; —Construction Equipment: Chainsaws, Jackhammers, Mixers, DumpTrucks, Front End Loaders, Cherry Pickers, Cranes, etc.; —SpecialtyEquipment: Laboratory Equipment, Farming Equipment, ManufacturingEquipment etc.

“Collective” as used herein represents a set of one or more GRL Devicesthat have been configured in their Local Profile to be able toAssimilate with one or more other GRL Devices. A collective may be oneor more GRL Devices Affixed to one or more Assets. Assets that may nothave a GRL Device Affixed to it could be considered part of a Collectiveif the Master is aware of the presence of that Asset. (See also “AssetCollective”, “Assimilation”, Assimilated, “GRL Device Collective”,“GRLEA Collective”, “Paired Collective”, “Product Collective”, and“Virtual Collective”)

“Database” as used herein means one or more an organized collection ofdata. It may include a collection of schemas, tables, queries, reportsand views as well as other data objects.

“Data Aggregator” as used herein means an application or applicationthat aggregates related, frequently updated content from variousInternet sources and consolidates it for storage indexing and retrieval.A Data Aggregator may also include a web application that draws togethersyndicated content from various online sources and it may also include,an organization involved in compiling information from detaileddatabases on individuals and selling that information to others. It mayalso include data from a set of GRL Devices and their Sensor Data.

“Data Aggregator Database” as used herein means the Data stored by DataAggregators and may reside on a multiplicity of servers in variouslocations.

“Data Values” as used herein can include information accessed by the GRLsystem or generated by components of the GRL system, including the GRLDevice. (Data Values can be any data element such as common known as aField or it can be Record which is typically a set of Fields from one ormore Tables in a Database. In many cases the Data Values can comprise aheterogeneous group of data structures such as a Log file, a Database,data stored in ROM, etc. (In some related documents, including thepriority document, a Data Value may sometimes be referred to as aParameter)

“Derived Data” as used herein means GRL Device Data linked to othersources like mapping DBs to create unified information regarding SpatialDomains

“Digital Communications Network (DCN)”: as used herein includes a mediumfor communicating digital data exemplary DCN's include, but are notlimited to: the public Internet, a cellular network, a virtual privatenetwork; and wireless communication transceivers such as, for example,one or more of: infrared, radio, visual, auditory or other transceiverusing technology that can connect to the Internet.

“Event” as used herein shall mean a change of one or more conditionsmaterially affecting a state of an Asset. It may involve a change in theData Values of a Local Profile (See also “Transaction Event”

“Energy Harvesters” as used herein shall mean a device that convertsenergy ambient and or external to the device into electrical energy thatmay be directed to a particular use. Functionalities that may be used toconvert ambient energy into electrical energy may include, by way ofnon-limiting example: Kinetic energy, wind energy, salinity gradients,electromagnetic induction, Piezoelectric, Thermoelectric, Pyroelectric,Acoustic, Photovoltaic, Radio Frequency, Photonic harvesting, Thermalharvesting, Vibrational harvesting or other movement harvesting

“Field” as used herein in the context of Data represents List ofFields/Attributes for a table, Part number, UPC code, SKU #, Locationcoordinates, frame of reference, 2D, 3D, Values of Sensors SecurityLevels, required length and type of passwords, size of secret key, validcharacters in a key, key pair size,

“Fixed Assets” as used herein shall mean an Asset attached to anon-moving anchor point.

“Geofence” as used herein means a defined boundary associated with aSpatial Domain. A Geofence may be described in terms of a polygon of 2D(planar) or 3D (volumetric) coordinates defining a physical space. Aswith a Spatial Domain, a physical space associated with a Geofence maybe fixed or transitory.

“Geofenced” as used herein refers to a state of a GRL Device or GRLSystem when it is configured to have an Event triggered when a specifiedGRL Device breaches a perimeter of a Geofence.

A “Geofence” is a virtual perimeter for a real-world geographic area. AGeofence could be created by calculations such as a radius around apoint location or from measuring moving of an Asset and recordingcoordinate points, or a Geofence can be a predefined set of boundariesfrom a third party source such as a SHP layer, like property lines,school campus or neighborhood boundaries to name a few.

“GRL” as used herein means an abbreviation for Global Resource Locator

Global Resource Location is a service offering representing thecalculation of location for an Asset that has a GRL Device attached toit.

GRL Antenna as used herein means an electrically conductive mediumcapable of acting as a transducer to at least one or: a) convertradio-frequency (RF) fields into alternating current; and b) convertalternating current into radio frequency. In receiving mode, the antennaintercepts RF energy and delivers electrical current to an electroniccomponent in the GRL Device. In transmission mode, the antenna generatesan RF field based upon electrical current it receives from components ofthe GRL Device.

GRL Device, as used herein refers to a device utilizing highly accurateminiature internal time generation and Global Resource Locator Systemcomponents to precisely Self-Locate and deliver Authenticated LocationData. (in some related documents, including the priority document, a GRLDevice may sometimes be referred to as a Resocator).

“GRL Device Collective” or “Collective” as used herein represents is aset of GRL Devices that are in logical communication with each other toprovide with each other at least a GRL Device identifier such as a UUIDalong with one or more of: Location Data, Quality Seal, Sensor data, andLocal Profile data.

“GRL Enabled” or “GRLE” as used herein represents means any asset thathas a GRL Device Affixed to it. Generally GRL Enabled can be used todescribed Assets that may be worthy or desirous of tracking, sensingetc. in an area (such as GRL Enabling all Cases and Pallets and Cartonsin a storeroom) or in a class of goods (such as a container which mayinclude many types of assets being transported through a supply chainbeing GRLE Pallets)

“GRLE” as used herein represents a prefix term to specifically describeany Asset that has been enabled to function with a GRL Device. GRLEnabled Asset, examples include GRLE drone, a GRLE pallet, a GRLESmartphone, GRLE dog collar, GRLE Suitcase, GRLE Weapon and GRLEPassport.

GRLEA Broadcasters as used herein is a GRLEA unit transmitting data.

“GRL Enabled Asset” or “GRLEA” as used herein refers to apparatus andfunctionality of a GRL Device and or GRL Service that has been affixedto an Asset.

“GRL Smart Gateway” as used herein shall mean circuitry or othertechnology that enables a GRL Device to provide logical communicationwith a DCN.

GRL Device Smart Gateway App as used herein shall mean executable codethat when executed provides logical communications between a DCN and aGRL Device. Logical Communication includes transmission and receipt ofdigital or analog data.

“GRL Sensor” as used herein represents the data that may come from adevice built into a GRL Device that measures some environmental value,or it may include Sensor data from which a GRL Device is affixed or itmay include Sensor data that comes from a Collective. It may alsoinclude mechanisms that deliver data captured or derived from the Assetsto which a GRL Device is Affixed.

“GRL Service” as used herein refers to functionality performed by a GRLSystem. A location positioning system, wherein a location may bedetermined at least in part by utilizing a GRL Device that canaccurately Self-Locate. The positioning system includes among otherthings a database of radio transmission towers that have known locations(GPS coordinates) as well as radio frequency and unique identifierinformation called Reference Points. In addition a GRL Service mayutilize application programs and databases to provide informationregarding one or more GRL Device locations and various Domains andDomain Status environments. Operationally a GRL Service may include oneor more sets of information associated with a GRL Device via one or moreof: captured data, calculated data, received data or transmitted data toor from a GRL Device that is stored within the GRL Device itself.

“GRL System” as used herein refers to apparatus and functionality usedto implement the Global Resource Locator Service.

“Hashed Value” or “Hash” as used herein is a map of a determined value.In various implementations, the determined value may be a fixed value oran arbitrary value.

“IoT Internet of Things” as used herein means the network of physicalAssets that contain embedded technology to sense and communicate one orboth of their internal states and the external environment.

“Limited Share Broadcast Mode” as used herein means a GRL Device willuse its Quality Seal Data Values and the Quality Seal Data Values of aRequester.

” Listening Mode as used herein is the common use of most receivers withthe difference in that a GRL Device may at the same time be in a QuietMode whereby it does not respond to normal signaling protocols.

“Local Profile” as used herein means a set of Data Values that can beapplied to a single GRL Device and or a group of homogeneous GRLDevices. One or more of the Data Values can be added to the SSD, changedin the SSD or deleted from the SSD 153 or Storage 108 included in a GRLDevice.

“Location” as used herein represents any place on above or under theearth surface represented by a set of 2D or #D Coordinates that havebeen defined by a company or organization such as GPS, State Plane orany of dozens of published methods of referencing a physical point. ALocation may include an approximation of a location with a level ofprecision that may be measured in relative to another Asset (such as:lower shelf, behind etc.) or may also include fixed values (such as onemeter). The location may include its own reference position within aSpatial Domain such as a “top left corner of a store room”

Location Aware means any GRL Device that can Self Locate.

“Log” as used herein represents records of events that occur in anoperating system or by an App that may be running or as active byanother device in communication with a GRL Device. This Log is typicallystored in a Log file or set of Local Profile Data Value with theinformation captured, calculated, processed, received and stored on aGRL Device or a Computer that may aggregate data 461 from one or moreGRL Devices and any asset that may physically move or communicate withGRL Devices

“Long Range Antenna” as used herein means antennas that are capable oftransmitting data kilometers at lower frequencies typically found in therange of a few kilohertz to a few hundred megahertz. The common consumerradio FM bands of 88 to 107 use Long Range Antennas where antenna lengthis in the one meter range. The common HAM Radio operators work in lowerfrequency bands of 4 MHz and 7 MHz with antennas that can measureseveral to dozens of meters in length.

“Miniature Atomic Clock” or “MAC” as used herein refers to an atomicclock comprising miniaturized components, such as, for example thosedescribed in the U.S. Pat. No. 8,217,724, the contents of which arerelied upon incorporated herein by reference. Miniature Atomic Clocksmay be based, for example, upon Fullerene technology, includingBuckyballs or other technology that utilizes electronic transitionfrequency as a frequency standard. The electronic transition frequencymay include, for example microwave, ultraviolet, infrared or visuallight spectrum wavelengths.

“Modes” as used herein represent a set of computer system states orconditions that an App or Apps may be in on a GRL Device or on a SmartGateway or Smart Gateway App. Multiple Modes may be found in one or moreApps as listed in this patent and the list of Modes as described in thispatent is meant to illustrate a few potential functionalities and is notintended to be exhaustive. Each Mode may have different configurationsand behaviors based on Local Profile of a GRL Device or based onparticipation in a Collective. In many cases a Mode may represent one ormore Data Values in the Local Profile of a GRL Device. There will be avariety of modes that represent the normal operations of a microcontroller or computer or mesh network they are not discussed in thisdisclosure. The present disclosure provides novel Modes that can besecurely implemented with the ALDOSA and ALDOSAS capabilities. (See alsoAssimilated Mode, Limited Share Broadcast Mode, Listening Mode, QuietMode, Registration Mode, and Rescue Mode)

“Organization” as used herein in the context of a group means any groupof people united by some “factor” agency, military, church, club,association, company, etc.

“Paired Asset” as used herein refers to two Assets that may naturally befound together for some useful purpose such as a Car and Keys, T V andRemote, Wallet and Smartphone, Smartphone and Charger, Pairs (of shoes,earrings, gloves, etc.).

“Paired Collective” as used herein represents any two GRLE Assets thathave been Assimilated by their Owner to become a Collective of twodiscrete GRL Devices such as Paired Assets.

“Pinged” as used herein represents the act of a communication devicetrying to reach a GRL Device to communicate.

“Popcorn Dots” as used herein represents the point locations on a maptypically separated by a consistent time interval of some asset thatknows, publishes or is detected as to its location.

“Poured Materials” or “Pourable Materials” as used herein refers to anytype of physical material (an Asset) that may be dispensed in a flow, orotherwise poured onto a conveyor belt, or be delivered via gravity fromone container to another where the product may be of a liquid or solidof similar size and shape. A Poured Material may include one or both ofa liquid or a solid that is commonly poured or carried on a conveyor.Examples of liquids that may be a Poured Material include but are notlimited to: gasoline, milk, water and aqueous solutions. Materials thatmay be considered Poured Materials, include food items (tomatoes,oranges, cucumbers, fish, alcoholic beverages, milk, food commodities,industrial materials, fertilizer, coal, mining materials etc. andprocessed materials.

“Product Collective” as used herein represents the combination of a setof GRL Devices that have been Affixed to components used in the deliveryof a product and that have been or will be Assimilated into a singleproduct that sold or given a SKU or serial number or bar code that acommon man would normally equate to a product delivery.

“Profiler” or “Profiler Database” as used herein means a database andassociated logic that stores, adds, changes and deletes various tables,fields and Data Values for one or more Local Profiles. The ProfilerDatabase may include, for example, other GRL Devices Local Profile DataValues in proximity to a GRL Device as defined by one or more SpatialDomains, or any other GRL Device published Local Profiles Data Values orother related data. In some examples, a Profiler may be made availableover a digital communication network.

Quality Seal: The Quality Seal represents a published data set of valuesbased on cryptographic techniques to provide trustworthy levels forreporting a quality indication of metadata being delivered. Examples ofdata that may be associated with a Quality Seal include: GRL DeviceUUIDs, Affixed Asset serial numbers, GRL Device Data Values that mayinclude GRL Device and its Affixed Asset Location Data, GRL DeviceSensor Data GRL, Device Affixed Asset Sensor or other data relayed bythe GRL Device, GRL Device Log files with historical Location Data, dataprocessed by Smart Gateway Apps that was relayed by GRL Device as wellas chain of trust information relating to the location of SpatialDomains where Registration occurred, etc.

Quiet Mode as used herein refers to the capability of a GRL Device toonly respond and transmit a detectable signal when it receives andAuthenticates a Quality Seal message.

“Registration Mode” as used herein involves the creation of a GRL Devicethat includes the provisioning of a unique UUID and private key in adesignated location that is verified trilateration of signals fromReference Points

“Requester as used herein refers to any technology that is sending asignal that corresponds to set of instructions that ask a GRL Device torespond

“Rescue Mode” as used herein when a GRL Device decodes and authenticatesa legitimate Rescue Message from an Owner it will then transmit its UUIDand other Data Values in response to a request.

“RF” as used herein means Radio Frequency

“Received Signal Strength” as used herein is an indicator of a magnitudeof power of a received signal. It may be based a power of a transmitter,obstacles between the transmitter and a receiver, a distance between thetransmitter and receiver and a quality of the receivers antenna andamplifier circuits. Received Signal Strength may be used for locationestimation algorithms and is prone to wide variances of accuracy.

“Reference Points” as used herein means the geographic locations oftransmitters that provide data to enable trilateration calculations.Reference Point as used herein means a code number that is part of abroadcast signal from a radio tower where the transmission source can bedetermined without a directional antenna.

“Self-Determine Its Location” as used herein, Its refers to a GRL Devicethat has determined its location.

“Self-Locate” as used herein means the ability of a GRL Device todetermine its location by listening to radio signals from knowntransmitters (Reference Points) and determining its position bytrilateration calculations. A GRL Device may also supplement process oflocation determination with additional data such as Received SignalStrength and other well-known techniques for location determination.

“Self-Locating” as used herein means execution of functionality to usean internal timing device to perform location derivation usingtrilateration, and in some implementations to additionally useSupplemental Location Data from other GRL Devices.

“Sensors” as used herein refers to an electronic or electromechanicaldevice that represents a physical property in terms of one or both of:an analog electrical signal and a digital electrical signal. ProcessingSensors A Sensor may include information that was related such assensing an event like an email message that is interpreted or an eventlike a processing of a voice command that was lexicographicallyconverted by another system into an electronic transaction that (“turndown the volume or stop”) (See also, GRL Device Sensors”, “Sensor DataValues”, “Shared Sensors”)

“Shared Sensors” as used herein represents the ability of a Collectiveto share data from GRL Device Sensors or GRL Device Affixed AssetSensors or GRL Device Affixed Asset data delivered between them.

“Sleep Mode” as used herein is a common mode of many embedded systems,where the device may respond upon demand to a signal. The Quite Mode isa Sleep Mode with selective wake up capability based on Quality Sealdata from an ALDOSA.

“Smart Gateway” as used herein means a mechanism capable of operatingaccording to protocols required to transmit and receive data across aDCN. The Smart Gateway is also “smart” in that it is able to executeapplication software to provide a variety of functions that interactwith local and remote devices. (in some related documents, including thepriority document, a Smart Gateway may sometimes be referred to as aCNAD or Communications Network Access Device). By way of non-limitingexample, a Smart Gateway may be Smartphone, a Tablet, a Wi-Fi Router, aGRL Device, and a Personal Computer.

“Smart Gateway Mode” as used herein means a GRL Device placed in anoperational state enabling it to respond to a request to open acommunication session with GRL Devices and DCN.

“Smart Gateway App” as used herein represents logic that can provide thefunctionality as described in various contexts related to the movementof data from a GRL Device to another Asset.

“Spatial Domain(s)” as used herein refers to a set of coordinates (fixedcoordinate may include: GPS, a fixed location on or above the earthrepresented with Latitude/Longitude coordinates and altitude) orrelative coordinates (relative coordinates may include: a moving SpatialDomain such as a pallet on a transport vehicle). Fixed coordinates andrelative coordinates may be uniquely named, defined as a contiguous setof vectors forming an enclosed area such as, for example, a circle (asin property lines) or spherical area (such as a 3D shape) or is commonlyknown by such as inside a building or inside a box or inside a storeroom. For example, for a product, Spatial Domains may comprise ashipping container, an airplane cargo hold, a port, a truck 202, a boxcar, a store, a box 204, a warehouse building 203, a retail storeinterior 440, a retail store shelf 442, a retail store point of sale443, a retail storeroom 441, a retailer shelf 441, a storage closet 451,a locker 452, a pantry, a refrigerator, a shelf and any area named anddesigned by people or systems where physical products may reside.

” Status” as used herein means one or both of a physical and logicalstate of a GRL Device. A Status may incorporate one or both of: detailsrelating to an Asset to which it is Affixed and Data Values included ina GRL Device Local Profile.

“Status Condition” as used herein means a variable external to a GRLDevice that is capable of changing a Status of a GRL Device.

“Supplemental Location Data” as used herein shall mean additional datafrom Reference Points such as signal strength from mapped RF (i.e.Wi-Fi) Transmitters to enable improved GRL System performance.

“Table” as used herein when discussing data means the common use of adatabase table that contains a set of Fields which contain discrete datavalues. In this Tables can be created by Events

“Transaction Event” as used herein shall mean an Event wherein thecondition materially affecting the state of on Asset includes a changein custody of the Asset.

“Trilateration” as used herein, refers to the process of determiningabsolute or relative locations of points by measurement of distances,using the geometry of spheres, circles and/or triangles.

“Triangulation” as used herein includes a process of determining alocation of a point by measuring angles to it from known points ateither end of a fixed baseline, rather than measuring distances to thepoint directly (trilateration). The point can then be fixed as the thirdpoint of a triangle with one known side and two known angles.

“Virtual Collective” as used herein represents the act of Assimilatingone or more GRL Devices into a collective where you may not have directcommunication with the GRL Device to complete the process of forming aCollective. For example: A company may tag all inventory in a Pallet ashaving been put into a new Collective and that Collective may have a setof new Data Values to be updated by the Collective Master. In this way aCollective Master that may not be in wireless communication range canhave all of the appropriate Data Values for the Slaves to be compliantwith the request for updated Data Values. In this way there is noresistance to the Assimilation because the updating of the Local ProfileData Values were completed in an Authenticated Spatial Domain. Then thelocation in which the Assimilation can occur can be built into theQuality Seal for both the Master and the Slaves of the VirtualCollective.

“Universally Unique Identifier” or “UUID” as used herein means a numberused to uniquely identify some object or entity on the Internet.Depending on the specific mechanisms used, a UUID is either guaranteedto be different or is, at least, extremely likely to be different fromany other UUID generated. In preferred embodiments, a UUID includes a128 bit number.

Users: as used herein includes a person or intelligent system whointeracts with any GRL Device or GRLEA. Users may include one or moreof: Active Users; System User; and a Person (as a User)

User Groups: as used herein represents any list of people that areinvolved in at least one of: a common purpose, common membership andcommon emotional commitment.

“Wireless Energy Harvesting” as used herein means receiving electricalor electromagnetic energy via a conduit that does not include a physicalcontact with a battery, capacitor or power supply.

“Wireless Energy Receptor” as used herein means a medium capable ofacting as a receiver of one or both of: electrical energy andelectromagnetic radiation via wireless transmission. Examples of aWireless Energy Receptor include: an antenna, an induction coil and awire.

EXAMPLES

GRL Devices add a new type of IOT Location Sensor to a set of Assettypes commonly called IoTs Internet of Things. This can be accomplishedby adding a MAC to an existing Motherboard or PCB Printed Circuit Boardthat has all the required remaining components as taught in FIG. 01.Once an IoT device has the GRL Device capabilities as defined in thisfiling, its value and utility for providing additional AuthenticatedLocation information is greatly enhanced.

In the application of tracking a person within a national boundary, uponentry into a foreign country, a foreign national can be required tocarry their passport with them during their stay in the foreign country.A GRL Device may be attached to the passport and an Atomic Clock, orother high precision timing device, included in the GRL Device may beused to provide very accurate, low power location of the passport andhence the foreign national admitted within the national borders.

In addition, the ability of a first GRL Device to be self-aware of itslocation enables the first GRL Device to transmit its location to otherGRL Devices located proximate to the first GRL Device. In this mannereach GRL Device may be made aware of and record other GRL Devicesproximate to each other. Such location awareness allows a record ofwhich foreign nationals are proximate to other foreign nationals duringtheir stay within the boundaries of foreign nation. In a similarfashion, personnel wearing security badges within a secure area beself-aware of their location and proximity to other persons within thesecure area.

With sensitive air pressure sensors built into GRL Device sensors,relative and absolute altitude information could be made available toowners of Assets. This will enable a wide variety y of usefulapplications where specific floors and shelf positions of Assets couldbe determined and recorded for use by a Data Aggregator.

Another potential use of the GRL Device is to enable several GRL Devicesto form a novel type of mesh network whereby the members of theCollective have the ability to communicate and collaborate with ALDOSAcapabilities. This will enable the various members of a Collective tosecurely share information between them where some GRL Devices may havesuperior communications capabilities to a Digital Communications Network“DCN” such as the Internet, while others may share Sensor Data. Thedisclosure provides teachings for a few of a myriad of potentialapplications in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 9, 13, 17, 23 and 29.

A potential use of Collectives could involve the automatic creation of aCollective via a GRL Device that has a Local Profile with Data Valuesconfigured to be a Master. For example: a GRL Device recognizes fromother GRL Devices that are in Broadcast Mode that there are number ofother GRL Devices that have been in the same Spatial Domain for a setperiod of time as defined in a Local Profile Data Value and it then caninitiate another GRL Device App that causes a Collective to be created.This will provide convenience for a wide variety of users in bothconsumer, business and government applications.

One potential use of the GRL Device is to provide the ability to trackPourable Materials. A GRL Device may be Affixed to containers, pumps,hoppers and conveyors of potentially dangerous substances so that thecontainer can Self-Determine Its Location and can automatically begintransmitting changes of its location if it senses movement or a changein its Status, penetration of a Geofence, or the removal of a containerfrom a location through communication with a base unit. Furtherimplementations of the GRL Device in this capacity include tagging acontainer, such as a bag that contains the common fertilizer ammoniumnitrate, with a GRL Device in order to transmit information aboutwhether or not the bag is stolen or not where it's supposed to be. Thiscould, in turn, activate an alarm, similar to an amber alert, whichallows all transmitters/receivers to activate an electronic search forthe bag. Furthermore, a long antenna may be incorporated into the bag tofurther increase the communications and energy harvesting capabilitiesof the GRL Device.

In addition, GRL Devices may also be used to provide GRL Services, whichrefers to using a GRL location positioning system and at least one GRLDevice that can accurately Self-Locate in order to provide certainservices. The GRL System includes, among other things, a database ofradio transmission towers (Reference Points) that have known locations(GPS coordinates) as well as radio frequency and unique identifierinformation. Working with this system, a GRL Service may utilizeapplication programs and databases to provide information regarding oneor more GRL Device locations and various Spatial Domains and Statusenvironments. Operationally, a GRL Service may include one or more setsof information associated with a GRL Device via one or more of: captureddata, calculated data, received data or transmitted data to or from aGRL Device that is stored within the GRL Device itself. Methods includetracking a geospatial location of the GRL Device and its Affixed Assetor legal entity associated with the GRL Device. Our Location Sensor isbased on the use of an ultra-low power and miniature atomic clock thatin combination with processor and other components illustrated in FIG. 1can perform Self-Location via trilateration of reference radio signals.Furthermore, The Global Resource Locator service may interact with theGRL Device and use initially preexisting radio communications towers(Reference Points) where the transmission location is precisely knownwith GPS coordinates as well as a Reference Point to determine whichtower is sending out an atomic clocked managed timing signal, whereinthe GRL Device may receive transmissions from additional sourcessupplementing Reference Points. Transmission types may include, by wayof non-limiting example, one or more of: radio, visible and non-visiblelight, and auditory, non-auditory sounds as well as concentrations ofmolecular airborne molecules and other properties with known orestimated locations. Transmission signals be used by an automatedcontroller program to perform trilateration and triangulation algorithmsand processes. Some trilateration processes may reference an internaldatabase of transmitter locations and an internal atomic clock.

The Global Resource Locator service may interact with the GRL Device anduse preexisting radio communications towers (Reference Points) where thetransmission location is precisely known with GPS coordinates as well asa Reference Point to determine which tower is sending out an atomicclocked managed timing signal, wherein the GRL Device may receivetransmissions from additional sources. Transmission types may include,by way of non-limiting example, one or more of: radio, visible andnon-visible light, and auditory and non-auditory sound. Transmissionsignals be used by an automated controller to perform triangulationprocesses. Some triangulation processes may reference an internaldatabase of transmitter locations and an internal atomic clock.

Another use of GRL Devices includes accurately locating, identifying,and tracking physical Assets and the data contained within or accessibleto the Assets. A GRL Device may be one or both of fixedly attached to anAsset or inserted within an Asset, or which may be built into orattached to a second Asset. The GRL Device may include a receiver and atrilateration mechanism and may be included in a product, organism,produce, or component of a logistics chain. Accordingly, the enablementof low cost, low power, “Self-Location” capability to be added to“things”. This invention relates to Assets to differentiate from thecurrent definition of Things as in the Internet of Things. The Internetis not required to interoperate Assets and can simply be as broad asnearly any physical Asset as defined in the patent.

GRL Devices and supporting methods and apparatus may be used foraccurately locating, identifying, and tracking physical Assets and datacontained within the Assets. A GRL Device may be one or both of fixedlyattached to an Asset or inserted within an Asset, or which may be builtinto or attached to a second Asset. The GRL Device may include areceiver and a trilateration mechanism and may be included in a product,organism, produce, or component of a logistics chain.

The provisioning of Spatial Domains automatically as shown in FIG. 14that enable easy provisioning of Transaction Events with a Smart GatewayApp.

This technique could work for commercial applications (check out at astore, and with ad hoc locations like farmer markets/art shows, and fooddistribution points).

Also, what was illustrated was one very simple technique of creating aperimeter from a set of points a PHOSITA in the world of mapping and 3Dvisualization systems have many ways of creating polygons that createcontiguous planes or volumes.

A GRL Device initial Local Profile can be configured with the ReferencePoints and Spatial Domain coordinates so that it can receive additionalLocal Profile Data Values only in a specified Spatial Domain. Thisenables several valuable processes to occur including but not limited toAuthenticated Affixing whereby a GRL Device that has been Affixed to anAsset will be able to provide assurances to the Owner or user of anAsset that it is indeed authentic and the information that the GRLDevice can provide about the Asset is trustworthy. Authenticatedmodifications to the Local Profiles related to the Serialized Assetbased on the UUID of the GRL Device can provide the ability for a SmartGateway App to deliver Authenticated Data Values from the GRL Device toany requestor, that is requesting access to one or both of Data andlogic stored on the GRL Device.

Another use of the GRL Device will be to use its ALDOSA capability alongwith a Quality Seal that provides levels of trust along with theLocation Data and Authentication. These levels of trust can be based onthe Trilateration, Received Signal Strength and Location Data providedby Reference Points (each with their own Quality Seals) such as (fixed(towers) and mobile (for example nearby Smartphones walking by OR arobot in a warehouse with a Smart Gateway publishing its preciselocation from its dead reckoning OR a Collective that has viaAssimilation derived a superior set of position data that the Master isPublishing.)

The end result is the Quality Seal can include Temporal Accuracy (atthis time+/−Sec, Min, Hour, Day I was here (in GPS, State Plane, OtherCoordinate Mapping System) and my accuracy was +/−1 mm, 1 m, 10m, 100m,1 km with this confidence interval OR I was inside this Spatial Domainor within X meters of the perimeter of the Spatial Domain.

The enhanced location determination via Atomic Clock level accurateTrilateration calculations can provide indoor and outdoor accuracy toenable definitive Asset location from its hashed UUID/Public Key.

Data stored on the GRL Device may include a level of Authenticationassociated with a Chain of Trust as well as an Asset Type it the GRLDevice is purportedly Affixed. The data may also include when the GRLDevice became Affixed to the Asset. How it was Affixed and who theAffixer was. In addition, if a GRL Device is “Reset”, the GRL Device maystore a record of a Smart Gateway App that Reset the GRL Device as wellas a time record of the Reset and how the Smart Gateway App was executedand a time of execution of the Reset.

The Quality Seal will include Chain of Trust information that enablesthe receiver to authenticate any transaction with a CertificateAuthority

Type of Biometric data applied to the creation of the Transaction by theUser when they started the Reset on the App. Reset is one of my “cleanup” Modes that I am working on now for insertion on Friday. It appliesto lower value GRL Devices where convenience is critical for marketadoption versus GRL Devices headed to the medical marketplace.

In addition a Virtual Collective of a manufacturer and distributor couldbe created by one party, such as drug manufacturer and then seal thecarton of drugs that were sent to a distributor where it was put into apallet and a nurse in rural area that has Internet connection couldeasily determine that the ALDOSA is indeed Authentic. She would see theLocation in which the case of drugs was manufactured by one member ofthe Collective and then later boxed into a pallet by another member ofthe Collective was indeed at a set of known Spatial Domains asdetermined by the GRL Devices built into the carton packaging and thepallet container where the trilateration calculations were completed byaccessing a Authenticated set of Reference Points.

The above example illustrated a way in which there is value and utilityfor a wide variety of Manufacturers, Distributors, Retailers andConsumers (Personal, Business & Government) to trust a product point andtime of manufacture with various levels in the Quality Seals as verifiedby an independent organization such as a Certificate Authority that hasmanaged the process of creating the original UUIDs for GRL Devices in adefined Spatial Domain.

In addition, as GRL Devices provide ALDOSA to various recipients thedecisions by the Owners of the Assets can limit the Location Data theyprovide to a lower level set in their Quality Seal for privacy orsecurity reasons, while at the same time providing a very high levelData Value as it relates to the UUID of the GRL Device and the serialnumber of the Asset to which it was Affixed.

In addition, GRL Devices may also be used in a military context in orderto track diverse, highly sensitive, and risky assets globally with lowcost GRL labels. Security, operational efficiency, and cost of deliverycan all be dramatically improved by tracking medium and low levelassets. This is evidenced by the fact that some munitions currently relyupon Chip Scale Atomic Clocks for enhanced delivery. Military suppliesrepresent some of the most protected assets on the earth. With GRLDevices, assets stored inside hangers and in warehouses can immediatelybe located. Additionally, control and monitoring of these assets are ofparamount concern when moving in chaotic environments. The wide range ofGRL Devices and GRL Labels to track many different types of assets fromfood to firearms with one common platform will open the ability forquartermasters and all logistics staff to develop far more efficientpeacetime operations. Another military focused use of GRL Devicesincludes that basic troop provisions can be traced and recovered asneeded. Furthermore, GRL Devices may also be used to provide additionalopportunities for improved asset tracking and location in hostileenvironments where GPS has been rendered inoperative.

Yet another use of a GRL Device includes embedding GRL Device withinsecurity ID badges which will allow for the tracking and monitoring ofemployees, visitors, and consultants within a facility in order toimprove security. This technology would provide a variety of services,such as allowing industrial engineers to analyze movement patterns,preventing employee access to restricted areas as defined by Geofences,and allowing databases of employee information to only be opened inspecific areas like a guard stations. This would add a new securitymetric, when appropriate, in addition to user names and passwords.

Another use of GRL Devices includes tracking students within schoolgrounds, inside and outside. This may be accomplished by activating GRLDevices within identification badges or devices when on school grounds,and/or activating GRL Devices when Assets leave designated SpatialDomains. In addition, GRL Devices may help minimize theft by detectingthe usage of an Asset. By enabling GRL Devices within the labels ofproducts (Assets), this will allow notifications in the case of theft byremoving an Asset from a Geofence without authorization.

In addition to other uses, GRL Devices may also be used to track thelocation of construction materials on site in order to prevent loss.

In some implementations, scanning may resume until an authenticatedcommand is received again and a confirming privacy sleep signal isreceived. Such aspects may allow a stolen product to be tracked bypublishing its Log when it is in range of a DCN in this regard, theremay be a standard “override” command that can be added to standardprivacy settings that a consumer could may an appropriate policeorganization to activate.

In addition, GRL Devices may also be used to create Spatial Domains anddefine Geofences by defining a set of historical movement points withinan area where the Log of the Data Values is contiguous from indoor tooutside.

Another use of GRL Devices includes using the Geofence application inorder to record to the transfers of ownership and shipping Status ofAssets through location tracking. With these devices, the Status ofAssets can be updated as the Assets move through Geofences withinwarehouses, shipping trucks, loading zones, and so on. In addition,environmental expose may also be recorded, which, all together, willimprove operations for all parties involved in this process.

Another use of GRL Devices is accelerating the checkout process. The GRLDevices within products will register the spatial movement of beingplaced into a cart and can transmit information to the shopper's SmartPhone App. As the cart leaves the Spatial Domain of the retailer, thiswill be recognized via the GRL Devices, which will activate a paymenttransaction through the Smart Phone App.

Another use of GRL Devices includes the tracking of an Asset's preciselocation and usage which can then be reported back to interestedparties. For example, medicine location and usage can be tracked byembedding a GRL Device within some part of the bottle.

Another application of GRL Devices includes drug administration. Byincorporating a GRL Device on a patient's arm band, a syringe, a nurse,and/or a container with a drug dose, the appropriate distribution ofdrug doses can be monitored. Furthermore, the proper administration ofdrug doses can be ensured by having GRL Devices preset to activatecertain tools in the process only when in proper proximity to othertools in the process in order to ensure that the dosage is beingadministered to patient correctly.

Another useful embodiment of this invention will enable the short hauland long haul trucking as well as local delivery companies to improveoperations with their trading partners as well as customer service byutilizing GRL Devices. GPS saves this industry billions of dollars peryear and yet they have been unable to fully implement RFID tags andother tracking technologies. Several factors have historicallycontributed to limit widespread adoption. Our invention with its smallsize, low power, and open source code accelerated development will helpaccelerate the adoption of ALDOSA capabilities and this will resolvemany market impediments. The disclosure will show how the millions oftrucks using GPS for tracking will be able to cost effectively track GRLEnabled pallets, cartons, cases and individual products and theiraccessories as they move through various global supply chains.

Another prospective use of a GRL System includes improving deliveryservices by improving the benefits of drone delivery. Use of a GRLSystem allows, sizable energy savings by enabling a drone to deliver apackage as well as provide a certainty that a package was delivered to acorrect location with a record of accurate time and location ofdelivery. A drone delivery system provides significant energy savingsand value as compared to the current fuel powered delivery vehicles.

The wide scale acceptance of online purchases has led to a dramaticincrease in individual packages to be delivered rather than picked up ata retail location. Given the dramatic energy and cost savings of UAV orDrone based delivery of lightweight items instead of using multi-tonvehicles, it is inevitable that new methods of delivering Assets(products) directly and accurately to their destination indoors whileproviding safe and traceable security will become valuable.

United Parcel Service claims to deploy over 102,000 motor vehicles,while Federal Express deploys more than 49,000 more. Each of thesevehicles not only consumes fuel, but also adds to traffic and trafficdelays which in turn requires still more fuel from other vehicles on theroad. UPS claims to “save” 1.5 million gallons of fuel a year byreducing idle time. They do not provide an estimate of how much fuel isused in idle time, or how much “idle time” that their delivery vehiclescause other vehicles incur. Similarly, UPS claims to save an additional12.1 million gallons of fuel with more efficient delivery routes. Thisis just one carrier.

The present invention provides systems that enable highly accurate andefficient delivery via more accurate tracking of package location thanany system in use today using traditional motor vehicle based deliveryand through the provision of highly accurate unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV) delivery of many packages.

Some exemplary implementations of the present invention include a typeof Asset that is valuable to track its precise location and even itsusage over time and report this information to various interestedparties while protecting the confidentiality of the Owner. In this casethe asset is a medicine pill bottle label that is printed with a GRLDevice embedded in the label or otherwise fixedly attached to thebottle. The GRL Device may be pre-embedded or attached with an adhesive.A bottle cap may be manufactured with another GRL Device embedded in, orfixedly attached to plastic. When a prescription is filled by aPharmacist, an appropriate timing of use may be associated with, orencoded into, the GRL Devices and at the same time, a Local Profile ofthe Pill Bottle, Cap and person taking physical possession of the filledprescription may activate an application that can serve as an automaticalert if the Pill Bottle has not been physically moved within theappropriate timeframe. For example, compliance with a prescribedmedication schedule may be tracked by motion of an associated medicationcontainer and/or motion of the medication container while it is inproximity of the patient for which it is prescribed,

An App may be configured to allow for family members to sharecredentials such that a family member picking up the prescription doesnot need to be a family member who would be notified if a time limit isexceeded for taking a next pill. In this example, a GRL Device mayinclude a MEMS accelerometer, wherein the accelerometer may be used toregister and track motion of a medication container. An associatedprocessor may analyze tracked motion of the medication container anddetermine if the motion is commensurate with extraction of a dose of themedication from the container or simple movement of the container. Ifmotion is determined to be commensurate with an extraction ofmedication, then an alert time clock may be reset. A same applicationmay provide a link to update electronic health records via a DataAggregator which may be especially valuable for any CRO clinicalresearch organization running trials on behalf of a pharmaceuticalcompany.

In another aspect, a construction job site with materials that includepackaging with GRL Device embedded labels may provide for an immediateand constant updating of where each and every Asset is physicallylocated. There are a variety of ways in which the construction relatedasset Assets may respond to queries (such as, for example a queryrequesting a moisture content of a wood paneling, or the like) toprovide essential material location and material condition data to aconstruction manager, controller, loan manager or other interestedparty, by running a report on a system established by a Data Reporter.

Still other aspects may relate to preferences of a school district. Thepresent invention enables ID badges and other identification devices(Assets) that may be activated on school grounds whereby studentlocation may be tracked in real-time with alerts being initiated whenAssets leave designated Spatial Domains. In addition, motion detectorsmay associate human movement with student and teacher identificationdevices. In such embodiments, a lack of a proper identification mayindicate an unauthorized person on school grounds. Likewise if a studentis not in a designated area at a designated timeframe (i.e. in adesignated classroom) the GRL Device enabled device may indicate thestudent in a location that should be followed up on.

Example of Spatial Domains and Geofences may include Shelf, Cabinet,Fenced Area, an area defined by a set of historical movement points,tunnels, elevators, caves, warehouse, barracks, cabin (of a vehicle likea car, boat, airplane, etc.), truck cab, stairwell, park, plantation,harbor, pond, river, and stream.

The invention as disclosed herein has very broad applicability. Here wesummarize just some of a non-limiting list of example Assets that maybenefits from having GRL Devices Affixed to them. In someimplementations, an Asset may comprise an extremely wide variety ofthings such as an individual product or its container, such as aSmartphone, a syringe, a pill bottle and its cap, a car, a television, asweater, a can of soup, or a box of tomatoes. In some aspects, an Assetmay comprise a living organism, such as an employee, pet, or taggedwildlife or laboratory animal specimen. In some implementations, anAsset may comprise a logistics component, such as a ship, truck, pallet,container, strap, or forklift within a warehouse, storeroom, closet orpantry. Assets can be of any type and can be generally considered asproducts such as: Home Assets: Televisions, Computers, Furniture,Artwork, Stereo Systems, Lawn Furniture, Décor, Rugs, Lighting, PoolTables, Personal Computers, Gaming Systems, Home Structure, SecuritySystems, Locks, Passcode/Identification Systems, Networking Equipment,Recreational Vehicles. Personal Assets Clothing, Jewelry, FashionAccessories, Watches, Smartphones, Wearables, Keys, Wallets, Purses,Backpacks, Suitcases, Shoes, Boots, etc. Restaurant Assets: CookingEquipment, Tables, Chairs, Bartending Equipment, Reservation and OrderManagement Systems, Inventory Control Systems Museum Assets: Paintings,Artifacts, Lighting Fixtures, Security Monitoring Devices. Real estatestructures and their fixtures. Technology Assets: cellphones, cameras,wearables, lab equipment and supplies, industrial equipment, UAVs andDrones. Various Goods: Textbooks, Lego sets, Designer handbags,Christmas Trees, Camping Gear, Solar Panels. Party supplies (glasses,chairs, tables, stereos, tents). Sports and Fitness Equipment: weights,workout machines, sports balls, golf clubs, tennis racquets, ridingsaddles, baseball bats, helmets etc.

A non-limiting set of example Assets that commonly have a frequentchange in their Care Custody and Control include but are not limited to:Rental Cars, Rental Trucks, Rental Trailers, Rental Boats, ConstructionEquipment, Drilling Equipment, Workman Tools, Tuxedos and Evening Gowns,Hotel rooms, Timeshare Condos. Special Occasion Wear: Tuxedos, Eveninggowns, Wedding dresses, Theater and dance costumes, Halloween costumes,Couture clothing. Accommodation: Hotel rooms, University dormitories,Apartments, Houses, Hostel rooms, lodging within someone else'saccommodation (e.g. Airbnb). Animals: Chickens, Livestock.

Some non-limiting examples of Collectives can include: 1) a Fluid bag, adrip controller and patient in a hospital; 2) a Consumer ElectronicsAsset, its shipping box, and its accessories; and 3) a rope, hand powderbag and carbineer; 4) a chain saw, chain adjuster tool, and chain oil;5) a crane, extender, pick up claw and barrel scoop; 6) a Smartphonewith Bluetooth and Bluetooth Paired Devices 7) a car key and car 8) aSmartphone and a pair of glasses. A Collective in some cases may becalled product kits or packages, examples include but are not limitedto: surgical kits, a product and its accessories, tool box, repair kit,installation kit. A Collective may have a set of rules based on DataValues agreed upon by the Master of the Collective.

In general, Data Values may be modified, added, changed or deleted foreach individual Asset at various times. Data Values may also beaccomplished by criteria or groups, such as, for example, by one or moreof: product, version, sub system, sub system settings, licensee,licensor, physical location, type of location, local governmentalrequirement, by corporate owner policy, by individual within proximity,safety regulation, police action, governmental agency, family memberpreference, time, environmental variable, and combination of the aboveand more.

The Data Values in a GRL Device's Local Profile can contain informationregarding its history of movement with its ability to Self-Locate. Thistype of time sequential Event information is stored in Log File. Thereare many well-known Log Formats. NCSA Common Log Format, NCSA ExtendedLog Format, W3C Extended; Sun One Web Server, IBM Tivoli Access Manager;FTP Logs; and Custom Log File Format with information defined by users.Examples of Logs may include: Authentication Log which includes a recordof GRL Device authentications of a self-determined locations; Event Logincludes a record of instances where predefined conditions defined as anEvent are met; Location Log includes a record of GRL Deviceself-determined locations.

The GRL Device may include Sensors or its Affixed Asset may have Sensorsand access to other systems that can then communicate with the GRLDevice. Non-limiting examples of Sensors include devise that measurephysical properties relating to: Acoustic, Acceleration, Air pressure,Biosensor, Chemical, Displacement, Flow, Force, Gas, Humidity, Level,Displacement, Proximity, Biosensors, Image, Pressure, Speed, MagneticMass, Moisture, Strain gauge Temperature, Tilt, Viscosity.

Non-limiting examples of Groups are used throughout the document todescribe the natural affinity of like-minded people to work together.These Groups will most likely want to share various assets at varioustimes including GRLEAs where the act of Enabling an Asset createsutility and value that can be shared by and enjoyed by the Groupmembers. Not limiting examples of User Groups include: social mediagroups, such as LinkedIn Groups, Facebook Groups, Twitter feed members,Usenet Lists, Association Members, Buyers Clubs, Apartment Residents.User Groups can be naturally aligned by their membership in anyorganization that they belong to. User Group can be employees of agovernmental agency or department or for profit or non-profit company,or any work group or division such as Firemen, Forensic Lab, HealthInspectors, Property Assessors, Health Inspectors, Teachers, ResearchDepartment, Marketing Team, Program Development Team etc. to name a few.A User Group can be a set of Grouped Assets. It will be natural forGroups to want to share their Assets and wish to create Collectives oftheir GRL Enabled Assets.

Non limiting examples of Identifiers include, but are not limited to:Biometric: DNA Matching Ear Recognition (Visual Biometric, theidentification of an individual using the shape of the ear. Eyes—IrisRecognition, Retina Recognition, Face Recognition, FingerprintRecognition, Finger/Hand Geometry Recognition, Gait/walking style,Olfactory Biometric Signature Recognition, Typing Recognition, VeinRecognition, Voice, etc.

Non-limiting examples of Status can include a variety of conditions andstates of a GRL Device and the Asset that it is Affixed to such as:Legal Status: Under Jurisdiction of Police, Military, Homeowner,Apartment Complex Owner etc. Ownership Status: Uncertain,Mortgaged/Impaired. Operational Status On/Off, Working/Non Functional,In Zone, Out of Zone. Status as used herein refers to anon-location-based domain, wherein the Status of Local Profile DataValues are based upon a required Quality Seal level.

CONCLUSION

A number of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described.While this specification contains many specific implementation details,there should not be construed as limitations on the scope of anydisclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures specific to particular embodiments of the present disclosure.References made to literature such as Wikipedia, are believed to bereferenced from content present as of the date of filing.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the contextof separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in asingle embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described inthe context of a single embodiment can also be implemented incombination in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitablesub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processingmay be advantageous.

Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodimentsdescribed above should not be understood as requiring such separation inall embodiments, and it should be understood that the described programcomponents and systems can generally be integrated together in a singlesoftware product or packaged into multiple software products.

Finally, the development of this invention into a functioning productand service offering may include the involvement of multiple PersonsHaving Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITAs) in multiple industriesincluding but not limited to atomic clocks, quantum physics, MACmanufacturing, MEMS and CMOS design and manufacturing, transceiver andantenna design, software development, embedded systems development,product packaging, relational database design, network security,cryptography, RFID systems, logistics, product packaging and userinterface design.

Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described.Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In somecases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a differentorder and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processesdepicted in the accompanying Figures do not necessarily require theparticular order show, or sequential order, to achieve desirableresults. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallelprocessing may be advantageous. Nevertheless, it will be understood thatvarious modifications may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the claimed disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A first Global Resource Locator Device(“GRL Device”) for determining an authenticated location of an asset,the first GRL Device comprising: a. a clock comprising a fullerene-basedtransition frequency; b. a processor in logical communication with theclock; c. a radio receiver; d. a transmitter; e. a log storing a recordof the authenticated location of the first GRL Device and a time of adetermination of the authenticated location; and f. a digital storagecomprising software executable upon demand, the software operative withthe processor to cause the first GRL Device to determine theauthenticated location of the first GRL Device and to receive digitaldata from a second GRL Device via the radio receiver, the digital datacomprising a description of the authenticated location of the second GRLDevice and the authenticated location of the second GRL Device comprisesa destination spatial domain for the asset to which the first GRL Deviceis affixed, and wherein the second GRL Device comprises a digitalstorage comprising a unique identifier and the software is furtheroperative to receive by transmission from the second GRL Device theauthenticated location of the second GRL Device, and the authenticatedlocation of the second GRL Device comprises the unique identifier. 2.The first GRL Device of claim 1 wherein the software is additionallyoperative with the processor to determine whether the authenticatedlocation of the first GRL Device is a destination spatial domain for anasset to which the first GRL Device is affixed.
 3. The first GRL Deviceof claim 1 wherein the software is additionally operative with theprocessor to transmit to an aggregator the authenticated location of thefirst GRL Device.
 4. The first GRL Device of claim 1 wherein thesoftware is additionally operative with the processor to transmit to anaggregator contents of the log.
 5. The first GRL Device of claim 1wherein the transmitter is operable to receive a timing data comprisinga fullerene-based transition frequency from the second GRL Device. 6.The first GRL Device of claim 5 wherein the software is furtheroperative with the processor to verify the authenticated location of thefirst GRL Device via a hashed value that is based at least in part upona private key stored on the first GRL Device.
 7. The first GRL Device ofclaim 6 wherein the software is additionally operative to communicatewith a smart gateway to transmit or receive the authenticated locationof the first GRL Device.
 8. The first GRL Device of claim 6 wherein theauthenticated location of the first GRL Device is determined by theprocessor via trilateration incorporating reference points.
 9. The firstGRL Device of claim 6 wherein the software is additionally operative todefine a collective comprising multiple assets, which may include theasset to which the first GRL Device is attached, within definedboundaries of a spatial domain.
 10. The first GRL Device of claim 9wherein the defined boundaries of the spatial domain comprise a bulk boxand contents of the bulk box comprises a collective of asset.
 11. Thefirst GRL Device of claim 6 additionally comprising tracking of movementof the first GRL Device from a first spatial domain to a second spatialdomain.
 12. The first GRL Device of claim 6 wherein the software isadditionally operative with the processor to determine whether theauthenticated location of the first GRL Device is a within a spatialdomain that comprises a destination for the asset.
 13. The first GRLDevice of claim 12 wherein movement of the first GRL Device from a firstspatial domain to a second spatial domain precedes processing of apayment vehicle.
 14. The first GRL Device of claim 12 wherein movementof the first GRL Device from a first spatial domain to a second spatialdomain initiates a transfer of ownership of the asset associated withthe first GRL Device.
 15. The first GRL Device of claim 12 wherein thespatial domain is based upon information contained in a shapefile storedin the log.
 16. The first GRL Device of claim 1 additionally comprisingone or both of: an energy receiver and an energy harvester for receivingenergy to power components of the first GRL Device.
 17. The first GRLDevice of claim 1 wherein the asset comprises one of: a shipping palletto which the first GRL Device is attached; and a shipping container towhich the first GRL Device is attached.